User device and touchscreen codec negotiation

ABSTRACT

A computing device includes signal generation circuitry and also includes a location on the computing device that is operative to couple a signal generated by the signal generation circuitry into a user. For example, the computing device includes signal generation circuitry that generates a signal that includes information corresponding to a user and/or an application that is operative within the computing device. The signal generation circuitry couples the signal into the user from a location on the computing device based on a bodily portion of the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the location on the computing device that facilitates coupling of the signal into the user. Also, the signal may be coupled via the user to another computing device that includes a touchscreen display that is operative to detect and receive the signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.17/139,514 entitled “Display generated data transmission from userdevice to touchscreen via user,” filed Dec. 31, 2020, pending, whichclaims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 16/596,928 entitled “Display generated datatransmission from user device to touchscreen via user,” filed Oct. 9,2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,908,641 on Feb. 2, 2021, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for allpurposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to data communication systems and moreparticularly to sensed data collection and/or communication.

Description of Related Art

Sensors are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from in-homeautomation, to industrial systems, to health care, to transportation,and so on. For example, sensors are placed in bodies, automobiles,airplanes, boats, ships, trucks, motorcycles, cell phones, televisions,touch-screens, industrial plants, appliances, motors, checkout counters,etc. for the variety of applications.

In general, a sensor converts a physical quantity into an electrical oroptical signal. For example, a sensor converts a physical phenomenon,such as a biological condition, a chemical condition, an electriccondition, an electromagnetic condition, a temperature, a magneticcondition, mechanical motion (position, velocity, acceleration, force,pressure), an optical condition, and/or a radioactivity condition, intoan electrical signal.

A sensor includes a transducer, which functions to convert one form ofenergy (e.g., force) into another form of energy (e.g., electricalsignal). There are a variety of transducers to support the variousapplications of sensors. For example, a transducer is capacitor, apiezoelectric transducer, a piezoresistive transducer, a thermaltransducer, a thermal-couple, a photoconductive transducer such as aphotoresistor, a photodiode, and/or phototransistor.

A sensor circuit is coupled to a sensor to provide the sensor with powerand to receive the signal representing the physical phenomenon from thesensor. The sensor circuit includes at least three electricalconnections to the sensor: one for a power supply; another for a commonvoltage reference (e.g., ground); and a third for receiving the signalrepresenting the physical phenomenon. The signal representing thephysical phenomenon will vary from the power supply voltage to ground asthe physical phenomenon changes from one extreme to another (for therange of sensing the physical phenomenon).

The sensor circuits provide the received sensor signals to one or morecomputing devices for processing. A computing device is known tocommunicate data, process data, and/or store data. The computing devicemay be a cellular phone, a laptop, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), awork station, a video game device, a server, and/or a data center thatsupport millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line purchasesevery hour.

The computing device processes the sensor signals for a variety ofapplications. For example, the computing device processes sensor signalsto determine temperatures of a variety of items in a refrigerated truckduring transit. As another example, the computing device processes thesensor signals to determine a touch on a touchscreen. As yet anotherexample, the computing device processes the sensor signals to determinevarious data points in a production line of a product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5E is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drivesense circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an example of a power signal graph in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is an example of a sensor graph in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signalgraph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signalchange detection circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of adrive-sense circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a touchscreendisplay in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of atouchscreen display in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for sensing atouch on a touchscreen display in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a drive sensecircuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drivesense circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross section schematic block diagram of an example of atouchscreen display with in-cell touch sensors in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a transparentelectrode layer with thin film transistors in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a pixel with threesub-pixels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a pixel withthree sub-pixels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSC that isinteractive with an electrode in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC thatis interactive with an electrode in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of computingdevices within a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or moresignals from a first computing device via a user to a second computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of computingdevices within a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or moresignals from a first computing device via a user to a second computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of coupling of oneor more signals from a first computing device, such as from an imagedisplayed by the computing device, via a user to a second computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of coupling of oneor more signals from a first computing device, such as from a button ofthe computing device, via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of coupling ofone or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 28B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of coupling ofone or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 29A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of coupling ofone or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 29B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of couplingof one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 29C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of couplingof one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of various examples of images thatmay be displayed on a display of a computing device to generate one ormore signals that may be implemented to facilitate coupling of those oneor more signals from a computing device via a user in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the use of oneor more images displayed on a display of a computing device to generateone or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or more signalsfrom the computing device via a user to another computing device toconvey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of activematrix—gate line scanning such as may be performed within a computingdevice that includes a display in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of activematrix—data line scanning such as may be performed within a computingdevice that includes a display in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method forexecution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 39B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 40 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of user device andtouchscreen communication initialization and handshake as performedwithin a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or more signalsfrom a first computing device via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of userdevice and touchscreen communication initialization and handshake asperformed within a system operative to facilitate coupling of one ormore signals from a first computing device via a user to a secondcomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of user device andtouchscreen codec negotiation as performed within a system operative tofacilitate coupling of one or more signals from a first computing devicevia a user to a second computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of user device andtouchscreen codec negotiation as performed within a system operative tofacilitate coupling of one or more signals from a first computing devicevia a user to a second computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of touchscreen touser device communication pathways as performed within a systemoperative to facilitate coupling of one or more signals from a firstcomputing device via a user to a second computing device in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment oftouchscreen to user computing device communication pathways as performedwithin a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or more signalsfrom a first computing device via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 49A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 49B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of embodiments of user device andtouchscreen security based on user bio-metric characterization for usewithin a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or more signalsfrom a first computing device via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem 10 that includes a plurality of computing devices 12-10, one ormore servers 22, one or more databases 24, one or more networks 26, aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28, a plurality of sensors 30, and aplurality of actuators 32. Computing devices 14 include a touchscreen 16with sensors and drive-sensor circuits and computing devices 18 includea touch & tactic screen 20 that includes sensors, actuators, anddrive-sense circuits.

A sensor 30 functions to convert a physical input into an electricaloutput and/or an optical output. The physical input of a sensor may beone of a variety of physical input conditions. For example, the physicalcondition includes one or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves(e.g., amplitude, phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity);a biological and/or chemical condition (e.g., fluid concentration,level, composition, etc.); an electric condition (e.g., charge, voltage,current, conductivity, permittivity, eclectic field, which includesamplitude, phase, and/or polarization); a magnetic condition (e.g.,flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude, phase, and/orpolarization); an optical condition (e.g., refractive index,reflectivity, absorption, etc.); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature,flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanicalcondition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain,stress, pressure, torque, etc.). For example, piezoelectric sensorconverts force or pressure into an eclectic signal. As another example,a microphone converts audible acoustic waves into electrical signals.

There are a variety of types of sensors to sense the various types ofphysical conditions. Sensor types include, but are not limited to,capacitor sensors, inductive sensors, accelerometers, piezoelectricsensors, light sensors, magnetic field sensors, ultrasonic sensors,temperature sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, touch sensors, proximitysensors, pressure sensors, level sensors, smoke sensors, and gassensors. In many ways, sensors function as the interface between thephysical world and the digital world by converting real world conditionsinto digital signals that are then processed by computing devices for avast number of applications including, but not limited to, medicalapplications, production automation applications, home environmentcontrol, public safety, and so on.

The various types of sensors have a variety of sensor characteristicsthat are factors in providing power to the sensors, receiving signalsfrom the sensors, and/or interpreting the signals from the sensors. Thesensor characteristics include resistance, reactance, powerrequirements, sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity,error, response time, and/or frequency response. For example, theresistance, reactance, and/or power requirements are factors indetermining drive circuit requirements. As another example, sensitivity,stability, and/or linear are factors for interpreting the measure of thephysical condition based on the received electrical and/or opticalsignal (e.g., measure of temperature, pressure, etc.).

An actuator 32 converts an electrical input into a physical output. Thephysical output of an actuator may be one of a variety of physicaloutput conditions. For example, the physical output condition includesone or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves (e.g., amplitude,phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity); a magneticcondition (e.g., flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude,phase, and/or polarization); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature,flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanicalcondition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain,stress, pressure, torque, etc.). As an example, a piezoelectric actuatorconverts voltage into force or pressure. As another example, a speakerconverts electrical signals into audible acoustic waves.

An actuator 32 may be one of a variety of actuators. For example, anactuator 32 is one of a comb drive, a digital micro-mirror device, anelectric motor, an electroactive polymer, a hydraulic cylinder, apiezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a screw jack, aservomechanism, a solenoid, a stepper motor, a shape-memory allow, athermal bimorph, and a hydraulic actuator.

The various types of actuators have a variety of actuatorscharacteristics that are factors in providing power to the actuator andsending signals to the actuators for desired performance. The actuatorcharacteristics include resistance, reactance, power requirements,sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity, error, responsetime, and/or frequency response. For example, the resistance, reactance,and power requirements are factors in determining drive circuitrequirements. As another example, sensitivity, stability, and/or linearare factors for generating the signaling to send to the actuator toobtain the desired physical output condition.

The computing devices 12, 14, and 18 may each be a portable computingdevice and/or a fixed computing device. A portable computing device maybe a social networking device, a gaming device, a cell phone, a smartphone, a digital assistant, a digital music player, a digital videoplayer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a video gamecontroller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computingcore. A fixed computing device may be a computer (PC), a computerserver, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a television set, aprinter, a fax machine, home entertainment equipment, a video gameconsole, and/or any type of home or office computing equipment. Thecomputing devices 12, 14, and 18 will be discussed in greater detailwith reference to one or more of FIGS. 2-4.

A server 22 is a special type of computing device that is optimized forprocessing large amounts of data requests in parallel. A server 22includes similar components to that of the computing devices 12, 14,and/or 18 with more robust processing modules, more main memory, and/ormore hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.). Further,a server 22 is typically accessed remotely; as such it does notgenerally include user input devices and/or user output devices. Inaddition, a server may be a standalone separate computing device and/ormay be a cloud computing device.

A database 24 is a special type of computing device that is optimizedfor large scale data storage and retrieval. A database 24 includessimilar components to that of the computing devices 12, 14, and/or 18with more hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.) andpotentially with more processing modules and/or main memory. Further, adatabase 24 is typically accessed remotely; as such it does notgenerally include user input devices and/or user output devices. Inaddition, a database 24 may be a standalone separate computing deviceand/or may be a cloud computing device.

The network 26 includes one more local area networks (LAN) and/or one ormore wide area networks WAN), which may be a public network and/or aprivate network. A LAN may be a wireless-LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi access point,Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.) and/or a wired network (e.g., Firewire,Ethernet, etc.). A WAN may be a wired and/or wireless WAN. For example,a LAN may be a personal home or business's wireless network and a WAN isthe Internet, cellular telephone infrastructure, and/or satellitecommunication infrastructure.

In an example of operation, computing device 12-1 communicates with aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28, which, in turn, communicate with aplurality of sensors 30. The sensors 30 and/or the drive-sense circuits28 are within the computing device 12-1 and/or external to it. Forexample, the sensors 30 may be external to the computing device 12-1 andthe drive-sense circuits are within the computing device 12-1. Asanother example, both the sensors 30 and the drive-sense circuits 28 areexternal to the computing device 12-1. When the drive-sense circuits 28are external to the computing device, they are coupled to the computingdevice 12-1 via wired and/or wireless communication links as will bediscussed in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS.5A-5C.

The computing device 12-1 communicates with the drive-sense circuits 28to; (a) turn them on, (b) obtain data from the sensors (individuallyand/or collectively), (c) instruct the drive sense circuit on how tocommunicate the sensed data to the computing device 12-1, (d) providesignaling attributes (e.g., DC level, AC level, frequency, power level,regulated current signal, regulated voltage signal, regulation of animpedance, frequency patterns for various sensors, different frequenciesfor different sensing applications, etc.) to use with the sensors,and/or (e) provide other commands and/or instructions.

As a specific example, the sensors 30 are distributed along a pipelineto measure flow rate and/or pressure within a section of the pipeline.The drive-sense circuits 28 have their own power source (e.g., battery,power supply, etc.) and are proximally located to their respectivesensors 30. At desired time intervals (milliseconds, seconds, minutes,hours, etc.), the drive-sense circuits 28 provide a regulated sourcesignal or a power signal to the sensors 30. An electrical characteristicof the sensor 30 affects the regulated source signal or power signal,which is reflective of the condition (e.g., the flow rate and/or thepressure) that sensor is sensing.

The drive-sense circuits 28 detect the effects on the regulated sourcesignal or power signals as a result of the electrical characteristics ofthe sensors. The drive-sense circuits 28 then generate signalsrepresentative of change to the regulated source signal or power signalbased on the detected effects on the power signals. The changes to theregulated source signals or power signals are representative of theconditions being sensed by the sensors 30.

The drive-sense circuits 28 provide the representative signals of theconditions to the computing device 12-1. A representative signal may bean analog signal or a digital signal. In either case, the computingdevice 12-1 interprets the representative signals to determine thepressure and/or flow rate at each sensor location along the pipeline.The computing device may then provide this information to the server 22,the database 24, and/or to another computing device for storing and/orfurther processing.

As another example of operation, computing device 12-2 is coupled to adrive-sense circuit 28, which is, in turn, coupled to a senor 30. Thesensor 30 and/or the drive-sense circuit 28 may be internal and/orexternal to the computing device 12-2. In this example, the sensor 30 issensing a condition that is particular to the computing device 12-2. Forexample, the sensor 30 may be a temperature sensor, an ambient lightsensor, an ambient noise sensor, etc. As described above, wheninstructed by the computing device 12-2 (which may be a default settingfor continuous sensing or at regular intervals), the drive-sense circuit28 provides the regulated source signal or power signal to the sensor 30and detects an effect to the regulated source signal or power signalbased on an electrical characteristic of the sensor. The drive-sensecircuit generates a representative signal of the affect and sends it tothe computing device 12-2.

In another example of operation, computing device 12-3 is coupled to aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28 that are coupled to a plurality ofsensors 30 and is coupled to a plurality of drive-sense circuits 28 thatare coupled to a plurality of actuators 32. The generally functionalityof the drive-sense circuits 28 coupled to the sensors 30 in accordancewith the above description.

Since an actuator 32 is essentially an inverse of a sensor in that anactuator converts an electrical signal into a physical condition, whilea sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal, thedrive-sense circuits 28 can be used to power actuators 32. Thus, in thisexample, the computing device 12-3 provides actuation signals to thedrive-sense circuits 28 for the actuators 32. The drive-sense circuitsmodulate the actuation signals onto power signals or regulated controlsignals, which are provided to the actuators 32. The actuators 32 arepowered from the power signals or regulated control signals and producethe desired physical condition from the modulated actuation signals.

As another example of operation, computing device 12-x is coupled to adrive-sense circuit 28 that is coupled to a sensor 30 and is coupled toa drive-sense circuit 28 that is coupled to an actuator 32. In thisexample, the sensor 30 and the actuator 32 are for use by the computingdevice 12-x. For example, the sensor 30 may be a piezoelectricmicrophone and the actuator 32 may be a piezoelectric speaker.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice 12 (e.g., any one of 12-1 through 12-x). The computing device 12includes a core control module 40, one or more processing modules 42,one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a video graphicsprocessing module 48, a display 50, an Input-Output (I/O) peripheralcontrol module 52, one or more input interface modules 56, one or moreoutput interface modules 58, one or more network interface modules 60,and one or more memory interface modules 62. A processing module 42 isdescribed in greater detail at the end of the detailed description ofthe invention section and, in an alternative embodiment, has a directionconnection to the main memory 44. In an alternate embodiment, the corecontrol module 40 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52 areone module, such as a chipset, a quick path interconnect (QPI), and/oran ultra-path interconnect (UPI).

Each of the main memories 44 includes one or more Random Access Memory(RAM) integrated circuits, or chips. For example, a main memory 44includes four DDR4 (4^(th) generation of double data rate) RAM chips,each running at a rate of 2,400 MHz. In general, the main memory 44stores data and operational instructions most relevant for theprocessing module 42. For example, the core control module 40coordinates the transfer of data and/or operational instructions fromthe main memory 44 and the memory 64-66. The data and/or operationalinstructions retrieve from memory 64-66 are the data and/or operationalinstructions requested by the processing module or will most likely beneeded by the processing module. When the processing module is done withthe data and/or operational instructions in main memory, the corecontrol module 40 coordinates sending updated data to the memory 64-66for storage.

The memory 64-66 includes one or more hard drives, one or more solidstate memory chips, and/or one or more other large capacity storagedevices that, in comparison to cache memory and main memory devices,is/are relatively inexpensive with respect to cost per amount of datastored. The memory 64-66 is coupled to the core control module 40 viathe I/O and/or peripheral control module 52 and via one or more memoryinterface modules 62. In an embodiment, the I/O and/or peripheralcontrol module 52 includes one or more Peripheral Component Interface(PCI) buses to which peripheral components connect to the core controlmodule 40. A memory interface module 62 includes a software driver and ahardware connector for coupling a memory device to the I/O and/orperipheral control module 52. For example, a memory interface 62 is inaccordance with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) port.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and the network(s) 26 via the I/O and/orperipheral control module 52, the network interface module(s) 60, and anetwork card 68 or 70. A network card 68 or 70 includes a wirelesscommunication unit or a wired communication unit. A wirelesscommunication unit includes a wireless local area network (WLAN)communication device, a cellular communication device, a Bluetoothdevice, and/or a ZigBee communication device. A wired communication unitincludes a Gigabit LAN connection, a Firewire connection, and/or aproprietary computer wired connection. A network interface module 60includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling thenetwork card to the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. Forexample, the network interface module 60 is in accordance with one ormore versions of IEEE 802.11, cellular telephone protocols, 10/100/1000Gigabit LAN protocols, etc.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and input device(s) 72 via the input interfacemodule(s) 56 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. An inputdevice 72 includes a keypad, a keyboard, control switches, a touchpad, amicrophone, a camera, etc. An input interface module 56 includes asoftware driver and a hardware connector for coupling an input device tothe I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. In an embodiment, an inputinterface module 56 is in accordance with one or more Universal SerialBus (USB) protocols.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and output device(s) 74 via the output interfacemodule(s) 58 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. An outputdevice 74 includes a speaker, etc. An output interface module 58includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling anoutput device to the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. In anembodiment, an output interface module 56 is in accordance with one ormore audio codec protocols.

The processing module 42 communicates directly with a video graphicsprocessing module 48 to display data on the display 50. The display 50includes an LED (light emitting diode) display, an LCD (liquid crystaldisplay), and/or other type of display technology. The display has aresolution, an aspect ratio, and other features that affect the qualityof the display. The video graphics processing module 48 receives datafrom the processing module 42, processes the data to produce rendereddata in accordance with the characteristics of the display, and providesthe rendered data to the display 50.

FIG. 2 further illustrates sensors 30 and actuators 32 coupled todrive-sense circuits 28, which are coupled to the input interface module56 (e.g., USB port). Alternatively, one or more of the drive-sensecircuits 28 is coupled to the computing device via a wireless networkcard (e.g., WLAN) or a wired network card (e.g., Gigabit LAN). While notshown, the computing device 12 further includes a BIOS (Basic InputOutput System) memory coupled to the core control module 40.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice 14 that includes a core control module 40, one or more processingmodules 42, one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a videographics processing module 48, a touchscreen 16, an Input-Output (I/O)peripheral control module 52, one or more input interface modules 56,one or more output interface modules 58, one or more network interfacemodules 60, and one or more memory interface modules 62. The touchscreen16 includes a touchscreen display 80, a plurality of sensors 30, aplurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), and a touchscreen processingmodule 82.

Computing device 14 operates similarly to computing device 12 of FIG. 2with the addition of a touchscreen as an input device. The touchscreenincludes a plurality of sensors (e.g., electrodes, capacitor sensingcells, capacitor sensors, inductive sensor, etc.) to detect a proximaltouch of the screen. For example, when one or more fingers touches thescreen, capacitance of sensors proximal to the touch(es) are affected(e.g., impedance changes). The drive-sense circuits (DSC) coupled to theaffected sensors detect the change and provide a representation of thechange to the touchscreen processing module 82, which may be a separateprocessing module or integrated into the processing module 42.

The touchscreen processing module 82 processes the representativesignals from the drive-sense circuits (DSC) to determine the location ofthe touch(es). This information is inputted to the processing module 42for processing as an input. For example, a touch represents a selectionof a button on screen, a scroll function, a zoom in-out function, etc.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice 18 that includes a core control module 40, one or more processingmodules 42, one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a videographics processing module 48, a touch and tactile screen 20, anInput-Output (I/O) peripheral control module 52, one or more inputinterface modules 56, one or more output interface modules 58, one ormore network interface modules 60, and one or more memory interfacemodules 62. The touch and tactile screen 20 includes a touch and tactilescreen display 90, a plurality of sensors 30, a plurality of actuators32, a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), a touchscreen processingmodule 82, and a tactile screen processing module 92.

Computing device 18 operates similarly to computing device 14 of FIG. 3with the addition of a tactile aspect to the screen 20 as an outputdevice. The tactile portion of the screen 20 includes the plurality ofactuators (e.g., piezoelectric transducers to create vibrations,solenoids to create movement, etc.) to provide a tactile feel to thescreen 20. To do so, the processing module creates tactile data, whichis provided to the appropriate drive-sense circuits (DSC) via thetactile screen processing module 92, which may be a stand-aloneprocessing module or integrated into processing module 42. Thedrive-sense circuits (DSC) convert the tactile data into drive-actuatesignals and provide them to the appropriate actuators to create thedesired tactile feel on the screen 20.

FIG. 5A is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem 25 thatincludes a sensed data processing module 65, a plurality ofcommunication modules 61A-x, a plurality of processing modules 42A-x, aplurality of drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x,which may be sensors 30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65is one or more processing modules within one or more servers 22 and/orone more processing modules in one or more computing devices that aredifferent than the computing devices in which processing modules 42A-xreside.

A drive-sense circuit 28 (or multiple drive-sense circuits), aprocessing module (e.g., 41A), and a communication module (e.g., 61A)are within a common computing device. Each grouping of a drive-sensecircuit(s), processing module, and communication module is in a separatecomputing device. A communication module 61A-x is constructed inaccordance with one or more wired communication protocol and/or one ormore wireless communication protocols that is/are in accordance with theone or more of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, theTransmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model, andother communication protocol module.

In an example of operation, a processing module (e.g., 42A) provides acontrol signal to its corresponding drive-sense circuit 28. Theprocessing module 42 A may generate the control signal, receive it fromthe sensed data processing module 65, or receive an indication from thesensed data processing module 65 to generate the control signal. Thecontrol signal enables the drive-sense circuit 28 to provide a drivesignal to its corresponding sensor. The control signal may furtherinclude a reference signal having one or more frequency components tofacilitate creation of the drive signal and/or interpreting a sensedsignal received from the sensor.

Based on the control signal, the drive-sense circuit 28 provides thedrive signal to its corresponding sensor (e.g., 1) on a drive & senseline. While receiving the drive signal (e.g., a power signal, aregulated source signal, etc.), the sensor senses a physical condition1-x (e.g., acoustic waves, a biological condition, a chemical condition,an electric condition, a magnetic condition, an optical condition, athermal condition, and/or a mechanical condition). As a result of thephysical condition, an electrical characteristic (e.g., impedance,voltage, current, capacitance, inductance, resistance, reactance, etc.)of the sensor changes, which affects the drive signal. Note that if thesensor is an optical sensor, it converts a sensed optical condition intoan electrical characteristic.

The drive-sense circuit 28 detects the effect on the drive signal viathe drive & sense line and processes the affect to produce a signalrepresentative of power change, which may be an analog or digitalsignal. The processing module 42A receives the signal representative ofpower change, interprets it, and generates a value representing thesensed physical condition. For example, if the sensor is sensingpressure, the value representing the sensed physical condition is ameasure of pressure (e.g., x PSI (pounds per square inch)).

In accordance with a sensed data process function (e.g., algorithm,application, etc.), the sensed data processing module 65 gathers thevalues representing the sensed physical conditions from the processingmodules. Since the sensors 1-x may be the same type of sensor (e.g., apressure sensor), may each be different sensors, or a combinationthereof; the sensed physical conditions may be the same, may each bedifferent, or a combination thereof. The sensed data processing module65 processes the gathered values to produce one or more desired results.For example, if the computing subsystem 25 is monitoring pressure alonga pipeline, the processing of the gathered values indicates that thepressures are all within normal limits or that one or more of the sensedpressures is not within normal limits.

As another example, if the computing subsystem 25 is used in amanufacturing facility, the sensors are sensing a variety of physicalconditions, such as acoustic waves (e.g., for sound proofing, soundgeneration, ultrasound monitoring, etc.), a biological condition (e.g.,a bacterial contamination, etc.) a chemical condition (e.g.,composition, gas concentration, etc.), an electric condition (e.g.,current levels, voltage levels, electro-magnetic interference, etc.), amagnetic condition (e.g., induced current, magnetic field strength,magnetic field orientation, etc.), an optical condition (e.g., ambientlight, infrared, etc.), a thermal condition (e.g., temperature, etc.),and/or a mechanical condition (e.g., physical position, force, pressure,acceleration, etc.).

The computing subsystem 25 may further include one or more actuators inplace of one or more of the sensors and/or in addition to the sensors.When the computing subsystem 25 includes an actuator, the correspondingprocessing module provides an actuation control signal to thecorresponding drive-sense circuit 28. The actuation control signalenables the drive-sense circuit 28 to provide a drive signal to theactuator via a drive & actuate line (e.g., similar to the drive & senseline, but for the actuator). The drive signal includes one or morefrequency components and/or amplitude components to facilitate a desiredactuation of the actuator.

In addition, the computing subsystem 25 may include an actuator andsensor working in concert. For example, the sensor is sensing thephysical condition of the actuator. In this example, a drive-sensecircuit provides a drive signal to the actuator and another drive sensesignal provides the same drive signal, or a scaled version of it, to thesensor. This allows the sensor to provide near immediate and continuoussensing of the actuator's physical condition. This further allows forthe sensor to operate at a first frequency and the actuator to operateat a second frequency.

In an embodiment, the computing subsystem is a stand-alone system for awide variety of applications (e.g., manufacturing, pipelines, testing,monitoring, security, etc.). In another embodiment, the computingsubsystem 25 is one subsystem of a plurality of subsystems forming alarger system. For example, different subsystems are employed based ongeographic location. As a specific example, the computing subsystem 25is deployed in one section of a factory and another computing subsystemis deployed in another part of the factory. As another example,different subsystems are employed based function of the subsystems. As aspecific example, one subsystem monitors a city's traffic lightoperation and another subsystem monitors the city's sewage treatmentplants.

Regardless of the use and/or deployment of the computing system, thephysical conditions it is sensing, and/or the physical conditions it isactuating, each sensor and each actuator (if included) is driven andsensed by a single line as opposed to separate drive and sense lines.This provides many advantages including, but not limited to, lower powerrequirements, better ability to drive high impedance sensors, lower lineto line interference, and/or concurrent sensing functions.

FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a sensed data processing module 65,a communication module 61, a plurality of processing modules 42A-x, aplurality of drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x,which may be sensors 30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65is one or more processing modules within one or more servers 22 and/orone more processing modules in one or more computing devices that aredifferent than the computing device, devices, in which processingmodules 42A-x reside.

In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits 28, the processing modules,and the communication module are within a common computing device. Forexample, the computing device includes a central processing unit thatincludes a plurality of processing modules. The functionality andoperation of the sensed data processing module 65, the communicationmodule 61, the processing modules 42A-x, the drive sense circuits 28,and the sensors 1-x are as discussed with reference to FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a sensed data processing module 65,a communication module 61, a processing module 42, a plurality of drivesense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x, which may be sensors30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65 is one or moreprocessing modules within one or more servers 22 and/or one moreprocessing modules in one or more computing devices that are differentthan the computing device in which the processing module 42 resides.

In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits 28, the processing module,and the communication module are within a common computing device. Thefunctionality and operation of the sensed data processing module 65, thecommunication module 61, the processing module 42, the drive sensecircuits 28, and the sensors 1-x are as discussed with reference to FIG.5A.

FIG. 5D is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a processing module 42, a referencesignal circuit 100, a plurality of drive sense circuits 28, and aplurality of sensors 30. The processing module 42 includes a drive-senseprocessing block 104, a drive-sense control block 102, and a referencecontrol block 106. Each block 102-106 of the processing module 42 may beimplemented via separate modules of the processing module, may be acombination of software and hardware within the processing module,and/or may be field programmable modules within the processing module42.

In an example of operation, the drive-sense control block 104 generatesone or more control signals to activate one or more of the drive-sensecircuits 28. For example, the drive-sense control block 102 generates acontrol signal that enables of the drive-sense circuits 28 for a givenperiod of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, etc.). As another example, thedrive-sense control block 102 generates control signals to sequentiallyenable the drive-sense circuits 28. As yet another example, thedrive-sense control block 102 generates a series of control signals toperiodically enable the drive-sense circuits 28 (e.g., enabled onceevery second, every minute, every hour, etc.).

Continuing with the example of operation, the reference control block106 generates a reference control signal that it provides to thereference signal circuit 100. The reference signal circuit 100generates, in accordance with the control signal, one or more referencesignals for the drive-sense circuits 28. For example, the control signalis an enable signal, which, in response, the reference signal circuit100 generates a pre-programmed reference signal that it provides to thedrive-sense circuits 28. In another example, the reference signalcircuit 100 generates a unique reference signal for each of thedrive-sense circuits 28. In yet another example, the reference signalcircuit 100 generates a first unique reference signal for each of thedrive-sense circuits 28 in a first group and generates a second uniquereference signal for each of the drive-sense circuits 28 in a secondgroup.

The reference signal circuit 100 may be implemented in a variety ofways. For example, the reference signal circuit 100 includes a DC(direct current) voltage generator, an AC voltage generator, and avoltage combining circuit. The DC voltage generator generates a DCvoltage at a first level and the AC voltage generator generates an ACvoltage at a second level, which is less than or equal to the firstlevel. The voltage combining circuit combines the DC and AC voltages toproduce the reference signal. As examples, the reference signal circuit100 generates a reference signal similar to the signals shown in FIG. 7,which will be subsequently discussed.

As another example, the reference signal circuit 100 includes a DCcurrent generator, an AC current generator, and a current combiningcircuit. The DC current generator generates a DC current a first currentlevel and the AC current generator generates an AC current at a secondcurrent level, which is less than or equal to the first current level.The current combining circuit combines the DC and AC currents to producethe reference signal.

Returning to the example of operation, the reference signal circuit 100provides the reference signal, or signals, to the drive-sense circuits28. When a drive-sense circuit 28 is enabled via a control signal fromthe drive sense control block 102, it provides a drive signal to itscorresponding sensor 30. As a result of a physical condition, anelectrical characteristic of the sensor is changed, which affects thedrive signal. Based on the detected effect on the drive signal and thereference signal, the drive-sense circuit 28 generates a signalrepresentative of the effect on the drive signal.

The drive-sense circuit provides the signal representative of the effecton the drive signal to the drive-sense processing block 104. Thedrive-sense processing block 104 processes the representative signal toproduce a sensed value 97 of the physical condition (e.g., a digitalvalue that represents a specific temperature, a specific pressure level,etc.). The processing module 42 provides the sensed value 97 to anotherapplication running on the computing device, to another computingdevice, and/or to a server 22.

FIG. 5E is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a processing module 42, a pluralityof drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 30. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5D with thefunctionality of the drive-sense processing block 104, a drive-sensecontrol block 102, and a reference control block 106 shown in greaterdetail. For instance, the drive-sense control block 102 includesindividual enable/disable blocks 102-1 through 102-y. An enable/disableblock functions to enable or disable a corresponding drive-sense circuitin a manner as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5D.

The drive-sense processing block 104 includes variance determiningmodules 104-1 a through y and variance interpreting modules 104-2 athrough y. For example, variance determining module 104-1 a receives,from the corresponding drive-sense circuit 28, a signal representativeof a physical condition sensed by a sensor. The variance determiningmodule 104-1 a functions to determine a difference from the signalrepresenting the sensed physical condition with a signal representing aknown, or reference, physical condition. The variance interpretingmodule 104-1 b interprets the difference to determine a specific valuefor the sensed physical condition.

As a specific example, the variance determining module 104-1 a receivesa digital signal of 1001 0110 (150 in decimal) that is representative ofa sensed physical condition (e.g., temperature) sensed by a sensor fromthe corresponding drive-sense circuit 28. With 8-bits, there are 2⁸(256) possible signals representing the sensed physical condition.Assume that the units for temperature is Celsius and a digital value of0100 0000 (64 in decimal) represents the known value for 25 degreeCelsius. The variance determining module 104-b 1 determines thedifference between the digital signal representing the sensed value(e.g., 1001 0110, 150 in decimal) and the known signal value of (e.g.,0100 0000, 64 in decimal), which is 0011 0000 (86 in decimal). Thevariance determining module 104-b 1 then determines the sensed valuebased on the difference and the known value. In this example, the sensedvalue equals 25+86*(100/256)=25+33.6=58.6 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit 28-acoupled to a sensor 30. The drive sense-sense circuit 28 includes apower source circuit 110 and a power signal change detection circuit112. The sensor 30 includes one or more transducers that have varyingelectrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance, impedance,current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions 114 (e.g.,pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.), or vice versa (e.g.,an actuator).

The power source circuit 110 is operably coupled to the sensor 30 and,when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module 42,power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received,etc.) provides a power signal 116 to the sensor 30. The power sourcecircuit 110 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linearregulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce avoltage-based power signal, a current supply circuit (e.g., a currentsource circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based power signal, or a circuit that provide a desired powerlevel to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor.The power source circuit 110 generates the power signal 116 to include aDC (direct current) component and/or an oscillating component.

When receiving the power signal 116 and when exposed to a condition 114,an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects 118 the power signal.When the power signal change detection circuit 112 is enabled, itdetects the affect 118 on the power signal as a result of the electricalcharacteristic of the sensor. For example, the power signal is a 1.5voltage signal and, under a first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliampof current, which corresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under asecond conditions, the power signal remains at 1.5 volts and the currentincreases to 1.5 milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2,the impedance of the sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. Thepower signal change detection circuit 112 determines this change andgenerates a representative signal 120 of the change to the power signal.

As another example, the power signal is a 1.5 voltage signal and, undera first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliamp of current, whichcorresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under a second conditions,the power signal drops to 1.3 volts and the current increases to 1.3milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2, the impedance ofthe sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. The power signal changedetection circuit 112 determines this change and generates arepresentative signal 120 of the change to the power signal.

The power signal 116 includes a DC component 122 and/or an oscillatingcomponent 124 as shown in FIG. 7. The oscillating component 124 includesa sinusoidal signal, a square wave signal, a triangular wave signal, amultiple level signal (e.g., has varying magnitude over time withrespect to the DC component), and/or a polygonal signal (e.g., has asymmetrical or asymmetrical polygonal shape with respect to the DCcomponent). Note that the power signal is shown without affect from thesensor as the result of a condition or changing condition.

In an embodiment, power generating circuit 110 varies frequency of theoscillating component 124 of the power signal 116 so that it can betuned to the impedance of the sensor and/or to be off-set in frequencyfrom other power signals in a system. For example, a capacitancesensor's impedance decreases with frequency. As such, if the frequencyof the oscillating component is too high with respect to thecapacitance, the capacitor looks like a short and variances incapacitances will be missed. Similarly, if the frequency of theoscillating component is too low with respect to the capacitance, thecapacitor looks like an open and variances in capacitances will bemissed.

In an embodiment, the power generating circuit 110 varies magnitude ofthe DC component 122 and/or the oscillating component 124 to improveresolution of sensing and/or to adjust power consumption of sensing. Inaddition, the power generating circuit 110 generates the drive signal110 such that the magnitude of the oscillating component 124 is lessthan magnitude of the DC component 122.

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit 28-a 1coupled to a sensor 30. The drive sense-sense circuit 28-a 1 includes asignal source circuit 111, a signal change detection circuit 113, and apower source 115. The power source 115 (e.g., a battery, a power supply,a current source, etc.) generates a voltage and/or current that iscombined with a signal 117, which is produced by the signal sourcecircuit 111. The combined signal is supplied to the sensor 30.

The signal source circuit 111 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., abattery, a linear regulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) toproduce a voltage-based signal 117, a current supply circuit (e.g., acurrent source circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based signal 117, or a circuit that provide a desired powerlevel to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor.The signal source circuit 111 generates the signal 117 to include a DC(direct current) component and/or an oscillating component.

When receiving the combined signal (e.g., signal 117 and power from thepower source) and when exposed to a condition 114, an electricalcharacteristic of the sensor affects 119 the signal. When the signalchange detection circuit 113 is enabled, it detects the affect 119 onthe signal as a result of the electrical characteristic of the sensor.

FIG. 8 is an example of a sensor graph that plots an electricalcharacteristic versus a condition. The sensor has a substantially linearregion in which an incremental change in a condition produces acorresponding incremental change in the electrical characteristic. Thegraph shows two types of electrical characteristics: one that increasesas the condition increases and the other that decreases and thecondition increases. As an example of the first type, impedance of atemperature sensor increases and the temperature increases. As anexample of a second type, a capacitance touch sensor decreases incapacitance as a touch is sensed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signalgraph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electricalcharacteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In thisexample, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor reduced the DC component but hadlittle to no effect on the oscillating component. For example, theelectrical characteristic is resistance. In this example, the resistanceor change in resistance of the sensor decreased the power signal,inferring an increase in resistance for a relatively constant current.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor reduced magnitude of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the electrical characteristic is impedance of a capacitorand/or an inductor. In this example, the impedance or change inimpedance of the sensor decreased the magnitude of the oscillatingsignal component, inferring an increase in impedance for a relativelyconstant current.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor shifted frequency of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the electrical characteristic is reactance of a capacitorand/or an inductor. In this example, the reactance or change inreactance of the sensor shifted frequency of the oscillating signalcomponent, inferring an increase in reactance (e.g., sensor isfunctioning as an integrator or phase shift circuit).

FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor changes the frequency of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the sensor includes two transducers that oscillate atdifferent frequencies. The first transducer receives the power signal ata frequency of f₁ and converts it into a first physical condition. Thesecond transducer is stimulated by the first physical condition tocreate an electrical signal at a different frequency f₂. In thisexample, the first and second transducers of the sensor change thefrequency of the oscillating signal component, which allows for moregranular sensing and/or a broader range of sensing.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signalchange detection circuit 112 receiving the affected power signal 118 andthe power signal 116 as generated to produce, therefrom, the signalrepresentative 120 of the power signal change. The affect 118 on thepower signal is the result of an electrical characteristic and/or changein the electrical characteristic of a sensor; a few examples of theaffects are shown in FIGS. 8-11A.

In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit 112 detect achange in the DC component 122 and/or the oscillating component 124 ofthe power signal 116. The power signal change detection circuit 112 thengenerates the signal representative 120 of the change to the powersignal based on the change to the power signal. For example, the changeto the power signal results from the impedance of the sensor and/or achange in impedance of the sensor. The representative signal 120 isreflective of the change in the power signal and/or in the change in thesensor's impedance.

In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit 112 isoperable to detect a change to the oscillating component at a frequency,which may be a phase shift, frequency change, and/or change in magnitudeof the oscillating component. The power signal change detection circuit112 is also operable to generate the signal representative of the changeto the power signal based on the change to the oscillating component atthe frequency. The power signal change detection circuit 112 is furtheroperable to provide feedback to the power source circuit 110 regardingthe oscillating component. The feedback allows the power source circuit110 to regulate the oscillating component at the desired frequency,phase, and/or magnitude.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drivesense circuit 28-b includes a change detection circuit 150, a regulationcircuit 152, and a power source circuit 154. The drive-sense circuit28-b is coupled to the sensor 30, which includes a transducer that hasvarying electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance,impedance, current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions114 (e.g., pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.).

The power source circuit 154 is operably coupled to the sensor 30 and,when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module 42,power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received,etc.) provides a power signal 158 to the sensor 30. The power sourcecircuit 154 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linearregulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce avoltage-based power signal or a current supply circuit (e.g., a currentsource circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based power signal. The power source circuit 154 generates thepower signal 158 to include a DC (direct current) component and anoscillating component.

When receiving the power signal 158 and when exposed to a condition 114,an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects 160 the power signal.When the change detection circuit 150 is enabled, it detects the affect160 on the power signal as a result of the electrical characteristic ofthe sensor 30. The change detection circuit 150 is further operable togenerate a signal 120 that is representative of change to the powersignal based on the detected effect on the power signal.

The regulation circuit 152, when its enabled, generates regulationsignal 156 to regulate the DC component to a desired DC level and/orregulate the oscillating component to a desired oscillating level (e.g.,magnitude, phase, and/or frequency) based on the signal 120 that isrepresentative of the change to the power signal. The power sourcecircuit 154 utilizes the regulation signal 156 to keep the power signalat a desired setting 158 regardless of the electrical characteristic ofthe sensor. In this manner, the amount of regulation is indicative ofthe affect the electrical characteristic had on the power signal.

In an example, the power source circuit 158 is a DC-DC converteroperable to provide a regulated power signal having DC and ACcomponents. The change detection circuit 150 is a comparator and theregulation circuit 152 is a pulse width modulator to produce theregulation signal 156. The comparator compares the power signal 158,which is affected by the sensor, with a reference signal that includesDC and AC components. When the electrical characteristics is at a firstlevel (e.g., a first impedance), the power signal is regulated toprovide a voltage and current such that the power signal substantiallyresembles the reference signal.

When the electrical characteristics changes to a second level (e.g., asecond impedance), the change detection circuit 150 detects a change inthe DC and/or AC component of the power signal 158 and generates therepresentative signal 120, which indicates the changes. The regulationcircuit 152 detects the change in the representative signal 120 andcreates the regulation signal to substantially remove the effect on thepower signal. The regulation of the power signal 158 may be done byregulating the magnitude of the DC and/or AC components, by adjustingthe frequency of AC component, and/or by adjusting the phase of the ACcomponent.

With respect to the operation of various drive-sense circuits asdescribed herein and/or their equivalents, note that the operation ofsuch a drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to drive and sensea signal via a single line. In comparison to switched, time-divided,time-multiplexed, etc. operation in which there is switching betweendriving and sensing (e.g., driving at first time, sensing at secondtime, etc.) of different respective signals at separate and distincttimes, the drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to performboth driving and sensing of a signal. In some examples, suchsimultaneous driving and sensing is performed via a single line using adrive-sense circuit.

In addition, other alternative implementations of various drive-sensecircuits (DSCs) are described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser.No. 16/113,379, entitled “DRIVE SENSE CIRCUIT WITH DRIVE-SENSE LINE,”(Attorney Docket No. SGS00009), filed 08-27-2018, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 11,099,032 on Aug. 24, 2021. Any instantiation of a drive-sensecircuit as described herein may also be implemented using any of thevarious implementations of various drive-sense circuits (DSCs) describedin U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/113,379.

In addition, note that the one or more signals provided from adrive-sense circuit (DSC) may be of any of a variety of types. Forexample, such a signal may be based on encoding of one or more bits togenerate one or more coded bits used to generate modulation data (orgenerally, data). For example, a computing device is configured toperform forward error correction (FEC) and/or error checking andcorrection (ECC) code of one or more bits to generate one or more codedbits. Examples of FEC and/or ECC may include turbo code, convolutionalcode, trellis coded modulation (TCM), trellis coded modulation (TTCM),low density parity check (LDPC) code, Reed-Solomon (RS) code, BCH (Boseand Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem) code, binary convolutional code(BCC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and/or any other type of ECCand/or FEC code and/or combination thereof, etc. Note that more than onetype of ECC and/or FEC code may be used in any of variousimplementations including concatenation (e.g., first ECC and/or FEC codefollowed by second ECC and/or FEC code, etc. such as based on an innercode/outer code architecture, etc.), parallel architecture (e.g., suchthat first ECC and/or FEC code operates on first bits while second ECCand/or FEC code operates on second bits, etc.), and/or any combinationthereof.

Also, the one or more coded bits may then undergo modulation or symbolmapping to generate modulation symbols (e.g., the modulation symbols mayinclude data intended for one or more recipient computing devices,components, elements, etc.). Note that such modulation symbols may begenerated using any of various types of modulation coding techniques.Examples of such modulation coding techniques may include binary phaseshift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8-phase shiftkeying (PSK), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 32 amplitude andphase shift keying (APSK), etc., uncoded modulation, and/or any otherdesired types of modulation including higher ordered modulations thatmay include even greater number of constellation points (e.g., 1024 QAM,etc.).

In addition, note that a signal provided from a DSC may be of a uniquefrequency that is different from signals provided from other DSCs. Also,a signal provided from a DSC may include multiple frequenciesindependently or simultaneously. The frequency of the signal can behopped on a pre-arranged pattern. In some examples, a handshake isestablished between one or more DSCs and one or more processing modules(e.g., one or more controllers) such that the one or more DSC is/aredirected by the one or more processing modules regarding which frequencyor frequencies and/or which other one or more characteristics of the oneor more signals to use at one or more respective times and/or in one ormore particular situations.

With respect to any signal that is driven and simultaneously detected bya DSC, note that any additional signal that is coupled into a line, anelectrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, a battery, aload, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with thatDSC is also detectable. For example, a DSC that is associated with sucha line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, abattery, a load, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. isconfigured to detect any signal from one or more other lines,electrodes, touch sensors, buses, communication links, loads, electricalcouplings or connections, etc. that get coupled into that line,electrode, touch sensor, bus, communication link, a battery, load,electrical coupling or connection, etc.

Note that the different respective signals that are driven andsimultaneously sensed by one or more DSCs may be are differentiated fromone another. Appropriate filtering and processing can identify thevarious signals given their differentiation, orthogonality to oneanother, difference in frequency, etc. Other examples described hereinand their equivalents operate using any of a number of differentcharacteristics other than or in addition to frequency.

Moreover, with respect to any embodiment, diagram, example, etc. thatincludes more than one DSC, note that the DSCs may be implemented in avariety of manners. For example, all of the DSCs may be of the sametype, implementation, configuration, etc. In another example, the firstDSC may be of a first type, implementation, configuration, etc., and asecond DSC may be of a second type, implementation, configuration, etc.that is different than the first DSC. Considering a specific example, afirst DSC may be implemented to detect change of impedance associatedwith a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link,an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with that firstDSC, while a second DSC may be implemented to detect change of voltageassociated with a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, acommunication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc.associated with that second DSC. In addition, note that a third DSC maybe implemented to detect change of a current associated with a line, anelectrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electricalcoupling or connection, etc. associated with that DSC. In general, whilea common reference may be used generally to show a DSC or multipleinstantiations of a DSC within a given embodiment, diagram, example,etc., note that any particular DSC may be implemented in accordance withany manner as described herein, such as described in U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 16/113,379, etc. and/or their equivalents.

Note that certain of the following diagrams show a computing device(e.g., alternatively referred to as device; the terms computing deviceand device may be used interchangeably) one or more processing modules.In certain instances, the one or more processing modules is configuredto communicate with and interact with one or more other devicesincluding one or more of DSCs, one or more components associated with aDSC, one or more components associated with a display, a touchscreendisplay with sensors, etc., one or more other components associated withdisplay, a touchscreen display with sensors, etc. Note that any suchimplementation of one or more processing modules may include integratedmemory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memorystores operational instructions to be executed by the one or moreprocessing modules. In addition, note that the one or more processingmodules may interface with one or more other computing devices,components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links,networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. (e.g., such as via oneor more communication interfaces of the computing device, such as may beintegrated into the one or more processing modules or be implemented asa separate component, circuitry, etc.).

In addition, when a DSC is implemented to communicate with and interactwith another element, the DSC is configured simultaneously to transmitand receive one or more signals with the element. For example, a DSC isconfigured simultaneously to sense and to drive one or more signals tothe one element. During transmission of a signal from a DSC, that sameDSC is configured simultaneously to sense the signal being transmittedfrom the DSC and any other signal may be coupled into the signal that isbeing transmitted from the DSC.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1400 of atouchscreen display in accordance with the present invention. thisdiagram includes a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of atouchscreen display 80 that includes a plurality of drive-sense circuits(DSCs), a touchscreen processing module 82, a display 83, and aplurality of electrodes 85 (e.g., he electrodes operate as the sensorsor sensor components into which touch and/or proximity may be detectedin the touchscreen display 80). The touchscreen display 80 is coupled toa processing module 42, a video graphics processing module 48, and adisplay interface 93, which are components of a computing device (e.g.,one or more of computing devices 14-18), an interactive display, orother device that includes a touchscreen display. An interactive displayfunctions to provide users with an interactive experience (e.g., touchthe screen to obtain information, be entertained, etc.). For example, astore provides interactive displays for customers to find certainproducts, to obtain coupons, to enter contests, etc.

In some examples, note that display functionality and touchscreenfunctionality are both provided by a combined device that may bereferred to as a touchscreen display with sensors 80. However, in otherexamples, note that touchscreen functionality and display functionalityare provided by separate devices, namely, the display 83 and atouchscreen that is implemented separately from the display 83.Generally speaking, different implementations may include displayfunctionality and touchscreen functionality within a combined devicesuch as a touchscreen display with sensors 80, or separately using adisplay 83 and a touchscreen.

There are a variety of other devices that may be implemented to includea touchscreen display. For example, a vending machine includes atouchscreen display to select and/or pay for an item. Another example ofa device having a touchscreen display is an Automated Teller Machine(ATM). As yet another example, an automobile includes a touchscreendisplay for entertainment media control, navigation, climate control,etc.

The touchscreen display 80 includes a large display 83 that has aresolution equal to or greater than full high-definition (HD), an aspectratio of a set of aspect ratios, and a screen size equal to or greaterthan thirty-two inches. The following table lists various combinationsof resolution, aspect ratio, and screen size for the display 83, butit's not an exhaustive list. Other screen sizes, resolutions, aspectratios, etc. may be implemented within other various displays.

pixel screen Width Height aspect aspect screen size Resolution (lines)(lines) ratio ratio (inches) HD (high 1280 720 1:1 16:9 32, 40, 43,definition) 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 Full HD 1920 1080 1:1 16:932, 40, 43, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 HD 960 720 4:3 16:9 32, 40,43, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 HD 1440 1080 4:3 16:9 32, 40, 43,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 HD 1280 1080 3:2 16:9 32, 40, 43, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 QHD 2560 1440 1:1 16:9 32, 40, 43, (quad50, 55, 60, HD) 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 UHD 3840 2160 1:1 16:9 32, 40, 43,(Ultra 50, 55, 60, HD) 65, 70, 75, or 4K &/or >80 8K 7680 4320 1:1 16:932, 40, 43, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, &/or >80 HD and 1280->=7680720->=4320 1:1, 2:3,  2:3 50, 55, 60, above etc. 65, 70, 75, &/or >80

The display 83 is one of a variety of types of displays that is operableto render frames of data into visible images. For example, the displayis one or more of: a light emitting diode (LED) display, anelectroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquidcrystal display (LCD), an LCD high performance addressing (TPA) display,an LCD thin film transistor (TFT) display, an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display, a digital light processing (DLP) display, asurface conductive electron emitter (SED) display, a field emissiondisplay (FED), a laser TV display, a carbon nanotubes display, a quantumdot display, an interferometric modulator display (IMOD), and a digitalmicroshutter display (DMS). The display is active in a full display modeor a multiplexed display mode (i.e., only part of the display is activeat a time).

The display 83 further includes integrated electrodes 85 that providethe sensors for the touch sense part of the touchscreen display. Theelectrodes 85 are distributed throughout the display area or wheretouchscreen functionality is desired. For example, a first group of theelectrodes are arranged in rows and a second group of electrodes arearranged in columns. As will be discussed in greater detail withreference to one or more of FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21, the row electrodesare separated from the column electrodes by a dielectric material.

The electrodes 85 are comprised of a transparent conductive material andare in-cell or on-cell with respect to layers of the display. Forexample, a conductive trace is placed in-cell or on-cell of a layer ofthe touchscreen display. The transparent conductive material, which issubstantially transparent and has negligible effect on video quality ofthe display with respect to the human eye. For instance, an electrode isconstructed from one or more of: Indium Tin Oxide, Graphene, CarbonNanotubes, Thin Metal Films, Silver Nanowires Hybrid Materials,Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide (AZO), Amorphous Indium-Zinc Oxide,Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide (GZO), and poly polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT).

In an example of operation, the processing module 42 is executing anoperating system application 89 and one or more user applications 91.The user applications 91 includes, but is not limited to, a videoplayback application, a spreadsheet application, a word processingapplication, a computer aided drawing application, a photo displayapplication, an image processing application, a database application,etc. While executing an application 91, the processing module generatesdata for display (e.g., video data, image data, text data, etc.). Theprocessing module 42 sends the data to the video graphics processingmodule 48, which converts the data into frames of video 87.

The video graphics processing module 48 sends the frames of video 87(e.g., frames of a video file, refresh rate for a word processingdocument, a series of images, etc.) to the display interface 93. Thedisplay interface 93 provides the frames of video to the display 83,which renders the frames of video into visible images.

In certain examples, one or more images are displayed so as tofacilitate communication of data from a first computing device to asecond computing device via a user. For example, one or more images aredisplayed on the touchscreen display with sensors 80, and when a user isin contact with the one or more images that are displayed on thetouchscreen display with sensors 80, one or more signals that areassociated with the one or more images are coupled via the user toanother computing device. In some examples, the touchscreen display withsensors 80 is implemented within a portable device, such as a cellphone, a smart phone, a tablet, and/or any other such device thatincludes a touching display with sensors 80. Also, in some examples,note that the computing device that is displaying one or more imagesthat are coupled via the user to another computing device does notinclude a touchscreen display with sensors 80, but merely a display thatis implemented to display one or more images. In accordance withoperation of the display, whether implemented as it display alone for atouchscreen display with sensors, as the one or more images aredisplayed, and when the user is in contact with the display (e.g., suchas touching the one or more images with a digit of a hand, such asfound, fingers, etc.) or is was within sufficient proximity tofacilitate coupling of one or more signals that are associated with alot of images, then the signals are coupled via the user to anothercomputing device.

When the display 83 is implemented as a touchscreen display with sensors80, while the display 83 is rendering the frames of video into visibleimages, the drive-sense circuits (DSC) provide sensor signals to theelectrodes 85. When the touchscreen (e.g., which may alternatively bereferred to as screen) is touched, capacitance of the electrodes 85proximal to the touch (i.e., directly or close by) is changed. The DSCsdetect the capacitance change for affected electrodes and provide thedetected change to the touchscreen processing module 82.

The touchscreen processing module 82 processes the capacitance change ofthe effected electrodes to determine one or more specific locations oftouch and provides this information to the processing module 42.Processing module 42 processes the one or more specific locations oftouch to determine if an operation of the application is to be altered.For example, the touch is indicative of a pause command, a fast forwardcommand, a reverse command, an increase volume command, a decreasevolume command, a stop command, a select command, a delete command, etc.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 1500 of atouchscreen display in accordance with the present invention. Thisdiagram includes a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of atouchscreen display 80 that includes a plurality of drive-sense circuits(DSC), the processing module 42, a display 83, and a plurality ofelectrodes 85. The processing module 42 is executing an operating system89 and one or more user applications 91 to produce frames of data 87.The processing module 42 provides the frames of data 87 to the displayinterface 93. The touchscreen display 80 operates similarly to thetouchscreen display 80 of FIG. 14 with the above noted differences.

FIG. 16A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method 1601 forsensing a touch on a touchscreen display in accordance with the presentinvention. This diagram includes a logic diagram of an embodiment of amethod 1601 for execution by one or more computing devices for sensing atouch on a touchscreen display that is executed by one or moreprocessing modules of one or various types (e.g., 42, 82, and/or 48 ofthe previous figures). The method 1601 begins at step 1600 where theprocessing module generate a control signal (e.g., power enable,operation enable, etc.) to enable a drive-sense circuit to monitor thesensor signal on the electrode. The processing module generatesadditional control signals to enable other drive-sense circuits tomonitor their respective sensor signals. In an example, the processingmodule enables all of the drive-sense circuits for continuous sensingfor touches of the screen. In another example, the processing moduleenables a first group of drive-sense circuits coupled to a first groupof row electrodes and enables a second group of drive-sense circuitscoupled to a second group of column electrodes.

The method 1601 continues at step 1602 where the processing modulereceives a representation of the impedance on the electrode from adrive-sense circuit. In general, the drive-sense circuit provides adrive signal to the electrode. The impedance of the electrode affectsthe drive signal. The effect on the drive signal is interpreted by thedrive-sense circuit to produce the representation of the impedance ofthe electrode. The processing module does this with each activateddrive-sense circuit in serial, in parallel, or in a serial-parallelmanner.

The method 1601 continues at step 1604 where the processing moduleinterprets the representation of the impedance on the electrode todetect a change in the impedance of the electrode. A change in theimpedance is indicative of a touch. For example, an increase inself-capacitance (e.g., the capacitance of the electrode with respect toa reference (e.g., ground, etc.)) is indicative of a touch on theelectrode of a user or other element. As another example, a decrease inmutual capacitance (e.g., the capacitance between a row electrode and acolumn electrode) is also indicative of a touch and/or presence of auser or other element near the electrodes. The processing module doesthis for each representation of the impedance of the electrode itreceives. Note that the representation of the impedance is a digitalvalue, an analog signal, an impedance value, and/or any other analog ordigital way of representing a sensor's impedance.

The method 1601 continues at step 1606 where the processing moduleinterprets the change in the impedance to indicate a touch and/orpresence of a user or other element of the touchscreen display in anarea corresponding to the electrode. For each change in impedancedetected, the processing module indicates a touch and/or presence of auser or other element. Further processing may be done to determine ifthe touch is a desired touch or an undesired touch.

FIG. 16B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1602 of a drivesense circuit in accordance with the present invention. this diagramincludes a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a drive sensecircuit 28-16 that includes a first conversion circuit 1610 and a secondconversion circuit 1612. The first conversion circuit 1610 converts anelectrode signal 1616 (alternatively a sensor signal, such as when theelectrode 85 includes a sensor, etc.) into a signal 1620 that isrepresentative of the electrode signal and/or change thereof (e.g., notethat such a signal may alternatively be referred to as a sensor signal,a signal representative of a sensor signal and or change thereof, etc.such as when the electrode 85 includes a sensor, etc.). The secondconversion circuit 1612 generates the drive signal component 1614 fromthe sensed signal 1612. As an example, the first conversion circuit 1610functions to keep the electrode signal 1616 substantially constant(e.g., substantially matching a reference signal) by creating the signal1620 to correspond to changes in a receive signal component 1618 of thesensor signal. The second conversion circuit 1612 functions to generatea drive signal component 1614 of the sensor signal based on the signal1620 substantially to compensate for changes in the receive signalcomponent 1618 such that the electrode signal 1616 remains substantiallyconstant.

In an example, the electrode signal 1616 (e.g., which may be viewed as apower signal, a drive signal, a sensor signal, etc. such as inaccordance with other examples, embodiments, diagrams, etc. herein) isprovided to the electrode 85 as a regulated current signal. Theregulated current (I) signal in combination with the impedance (Z) ofthe electrode creates an electrode voltage (V), where V=I*Z. As theimpedance (Z) of electrode changes, the regulated current (I) signal isadjusted to keep the electrode voltage (V) substantially unchanged. Toregulate the current signal, the first conversion circuit 1610 adjuststhe signal 1620 based on the receive signal component 1618, which isindicative of the impedance of the electrode and change thereof. Thesecond conversion circuit 1612 adjusts the regulated current based onthe changes to the signal 1620.

As another example, the electrode signal 1616 is provided to theelectrode 85 as a regulated voltage signal. The regulated voltage (V)signal in combination with the impedance (Z) of the electrode creates anelectrode current (I), where I=V/Z. As the impedance (Z) of electrodechanges, the regulated voltage (V) signal is adjusted to keep theelectrode current (I) substantially unchanged. To regulate the voltagesignal, the first conversion circuit 1610 adjusts the signal 1620 basedon the receive signal component 1618, which is indicative of theimpedance of the electrode and change thereof. The second conversioncircuit 1612 adjusts the regulated voltage based on the changes to thesignal 1620.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 1700 of adrive sense circuit in accordance with the present invention. thisdiagram includes a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of adrive sense circuit 28 that includes a first conversion circuit 1610 anda second conversion circuit 1612. The first conversion circuit 1610includes a comparator (comp) and an analog to digital converter 1730.The second conversion circuit 1612 includes a digital to analogconverter 1732, a signal source circuit 1733, and a driver.

In an example of operation, the comparator compares the electrode signal116 (alternatively, a sensor signal, etc.) to an analog reference signal1722 to produce an analog comparison signal 1724. The analog referencesignal 1724 includes a DC component and/or an oscillating component. Assuch, the electrode signal 1716 will have a substantially matching DCcomponent and/or oscillating component. An example of an analogreference signal 1722 is also described in greater detail with referenceto FIG. 7 such as with respect to a power signal graph.

The analog to digital converter 1730 converts the analog comparisonsignal 1724 into the signal 1620. The analog to digital converter (ADC)1730 may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the (ADC)1730 is one of: a flash ADC, a successive approximation ADC, aramp-compare ADC, a Wilkinson ADC, an integrating ADC, a delta encodedADC, and/or a sigma-delta ADC. The digital to analog converter (DAC)1732 may be a sigma-delta DAC, a pulse width modulator DAC, a binaryweighted DAC, a successive approximation DAC, and/or a thermometer-codedDAC.

The digital to analog converter (DAC) 1732 converts the signal 1620 intoan analog feedback signal 1726. The signal source circuit 1733 (e.g., adependent current source, a linear regulator, a DC-DC power supply,etc.) generates a regulated source signal 1735 (e.g., a regulatedcurrent signal or a regulated voltage signal) based on the analogfeedback signal 1726. The driver increases power of the regulated sourcesignal 1735 to produce the drive signal component 1614.

FIG. 18 is a cross section schematic block diagram of an example 1800 ofa touchscreen display with in-cell touch sensors in accordance with thepresent invention. This diagram includes a cross section schematic blockdiagram of an example of a display 83 (e.g., such as a touchscreendisplay with sensors 83) with in-cell touch sensors, which includeslighting layers 1877 and display with integrated touch sensing layers1879. The lighting layers 1877 include a light distributing layer 1887,a light guide layer 1885, a prism film layer 1883, and a defusing filmlayer 1881. The display with integrated touch sensing layers 1879include a rear polarizing film layer 1805, a glass layer 1803, a reartransparent electrode layer with thin film transistors 1801 (which maybe two or more separate layers), a liquid crystal layer (e.g., a rubberpolymer layer with spacers) 1899, a front electrode layer with thin filmtransistors 1897, a color mask layer 1895, a glass layer 1893, and afront polarizing film layer 1891. Note that one or more protectivelayers may be applied over the polarizing film layer 1891.

In an example of operation, a row of LEDs (light emitted diodes), orother light source, projects light into the light distributing player1887, which projects the light towards the light guide 1885. The lightguide includes a plurality of holes that let's some light componentspass at differing angles. The prism film layer 1883 increasesperpendicularity of the light components, which are then defused by thedefusing film layer 1881 to provide a substantially even back lightingfor the display with integrated touch sense layers 1879.

The two polarizing film layers 1805 and 1891 are orientated to block thelight (i.e., provide black light). The front and rear electrode layers1897 and 1801 provide an electric field at a sub-pixel level toorientate liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 1899 to twist thelight. When the electric field is off, or is very low, the liquidcrystals are orientated in a first manner (e.g., end-to-end) that doesnot twist the light, thus, for the sub-pixel, the two polarizing filmlayers 1805 and 1891 are blocking the light. As the electric field isincreased, the orientation of the liquid crystals change such that thetwo polarizing film layers 1805 and 1891 pass the light (e.g., whitelight). When the liquid crystals are in a second orientation (e.g., sideby side), intensity of the light is at its highest point.

The color mask layer 1895 includes three sub-pixel color masks (red,green, and blue) for each pixel of the display, which includes aplurality of pixels (e.g., 1440×1080). As the electric field produced byelectrodes change the orientations of the liquid crystals at thesub-pixel level, the light is twisted to produce varying sub-pixelbrightness. The sub-pixel light passes through its correspondingsub-pixel color mask to produce a color component for the pixel. Thevarying brightness of the three sub-pixel colors (red, green, and blue),collectively produce a single color to the human eye. For example, ablue shirt has a 12% red component, a 20% green component, and 55% bluecomponent.

The in-cell touch sense functionality uses the existing layers of thedisplay layers 1879 to provide capacitance-based sensors. For instance,one or more of the transparent front and rear electrode layers 1897 and1801 are used to provide row electrodes and column electrodes. Variousexamples of creating row and column electrodes from one or more of thetransparent front and rear electrode layers 1897 and 1801 is discussedin some of the subsequent figures.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an example 1900 of a transparentelectrode layer with thin film transistors in accordance with thepresent invention. This diagram includes a schematic block diagram of anexample of a transparent electrode layer 1897 and/or 1801 with thin filmtransistors (TFT). Sub-pixel electrodes are formed on the transparentelectrode layer and each sub-pixel electrode is coupled to a thin filmtransistor (TFT). Three sub-pixels (R-red, G-green, and B-blue) form apixel. The gates of the TFTs associated with a row of sub-electrodes arecoupled to a common gate line. In this example, each of the four rowshas its own gate line. The drains (or sources) of the TFTs associatedwith a column of sub-electrodes are coupled to a common R, B, or G dataline. The sources (or drains) of the TFTs are coupled to itscorresponding sub-electrode.

In an example of operation, one gate line is activated at a time and RGBdata for each pixel of the corresponding row is placed on the RGB datalines. At the next time interval, another gate line is activated and theRGB data for the pixels of that row is placed on the RGB data lines. For1080 rows and a refresh rate of 60 Hz, each row is activated for about15 microseconds each time it is activated, which is 60 times per second.When the sub-pixels of a row are not activated, the liquid crystal layerholds at least some of the charge to keep an orientation of the liquidcrystals.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an example 2000 of a pixel withthree sub-pixels in accordance with the present invention. This diagramincludes a schematic block diagram of an example of a pixel with threesub-pixels (R-red, G-green, and B-blue). In this example, the frontsub-pixel electrodes are formed in the front transparent conductor layer1897 and the rear sub-pixel electrodes are formed in the reartransparent conductor layer 1801. Each front and rear sub-pixelelectrode is coupled to a corresponding thin film transistor. The thinfilm transistors coupled to the top sub-pixel electrodes are coupled toa front (f) gate line and to front R, G, and B data lines. The thin filmtransistors coupled to the bottom sub-pixel electrodes are coupled to arear (f) gate line and to rear R, G, and B data lines.

To create an electric field between related sub-pixel electrodes, adifferential gate signal is applied to the front and rear gate lines anddifferential R, G, and B data signals are applied to the front and rearR, G, and B data lines. For example, for the red (R) sub-pixel, the thinfilm transistors are activated by the signal on the gate lines. Theelectric field created by the red sub-pixel electrodes is depending onthe front and rear Red data signals. As a specific example, a largedifferential voltage creates a large electric field, which twists thelight towards maximum light passing and increases the red component ofthe pixel.

The gate lines and data lines are non-transparent wires (e.g., copper)that are positioned between the sub-pixel electrodes such that they arehidden from human sight. The non-transparent wires may be on the samelayer as the sub-pixel electrodes or on different layers and coupledusing vias.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of another example 2100 of a pixelwith three sub-pixels in accordance with the present invention. Thisdiagram includes a schematic block diagram of another example of a pixelwith three sub-pixels (R-red, G-green, and B-blue). In this example, thefront sub-pixel electrodes are formed in the front transparent conductorlayer 1897 and the rear sub-pixel electrodes are formed in the reartransparent conductor layer 1801. Each front sub-pixel electrode iscoupled to a corresponding thin film transistor. The thin filmtransistors coupled to the top sub-pixel electrodes are coupled to afront (f) gate line and to front R, G, and B data lines. Each rearsub-pixel electrode is coupled to a common voltage reference (e.g.,ground, which may be a common ground plane or a segmented common groundplane (e.g., separate ground planes coupled together to form a commonground plane)).

To create an electric field between related sub-pixel electrodes, asingle-ended gate signal is applied to the front gate lines and asingle-ended R, G, and B data signals are applied to the front R, G, andB data lines. For example, for the red (R) sub-pixel, the thin filmtransistors are activated by the signal on the gate lines. The electricfield created by the red sub-pixel electrodes is depending on the frontRed data signals.

Note that any of the various examples provided herein, or theirequivalent, or other examples of computing devices operative to displayone or more images may be used to facilitate communication of data froma first computing device to a second computing device via a user.Generally speaking, any desired image, when generated by a display 83,will correspondingly operate the components within the display 83 suchas the RGB data lines, the gate lines, the sub-pixel electrodes, and/orany of the respective other components within the display 83 such as mayinclude one or more of their respective components of the lightinglayers 1877 and/or display with integrated touch sensing layers 1879such as described with reference to FIG. 18. As these various componentsoperate to effectuate one or more images to be displayed on the display83 may be viewed as components of one or more signal generators(alternatively referred to as signal generation circuitry or signalgeneration circuitries) operative to generate one or more signals to becoupled from a first computing device via a user to a second computingdevice. For example, as the actual components within the display 83 areoperative to render one or more images, one or more signals aregenerated in accordance with operation of those components, and when auser is in contact with the display 83 or within sufficient proximity tothe display 83 so as to facilitate coupling of those signals from thecomputing device that includes the display 83 to the user, then one ormore signals that are associated with one or more images that aredisplayed on the display 83 may be coupled from the computing devicethat includes the display 83 via the user to another computing device.

Note also that while certain examples described herein use a liquidcrystal display (LCD) for illustration, in general, if any matrixaddressed display may be implemented and operative to generate one ormore signals, such as may be based on one or more images, as describedherein. For example, regardless of the particular technology implementedfor a particular display (e.g., whether it be a light emitting diode(LED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma displaypanel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LCD high performanceaddressing (HPA) display, an LCD thin film transistor (TFT) display, anorganic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a digital light processing(DLP) display, a surface conductive electron emitter (SED) display, afield emission display (FED), a laser TV display, a carbon nanotubesdisplay, a quantum dot display, an interferometric modulator display(IMOD), and a digital microshutter display (DMS), etc.), such a displaythat is a matrix addressed display is operative to support thefunctionality and capability as described herein including thegeneration of one or more signals, such as may be based on one or moreimages, as described herein.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2200 of a DSC thatis interactive with an electrode in accordance with the presentinvention. Similar to other diagrams, examples, embodiments, etc.herein, the DSC 28-a 2 of this diagram is in communication with one ormore processing modules 42. The DSC 28-a 2 is configured to provide asignal (e.g., a power signal, an electrode signal, transmit signal, amonitoring signal, etc.) to the electrode 85 via a single line andsimultaneously to sense that signal via the single line. In someexamples, sensing the signal includes detection of an electricalcharacteristic of the electrode that is based on a response of theelectrode 85 to that signal. Examples of such an electricalcharacteristic may include detection of an impedance of the electrode 85such as a change of capacitance of the electrode 85, detection of one ormore signals coupled into the electrode 85 such as from one or moreother electrodes, and/or other electrical characteristics. In addition,note that the electrode 85 may be implemented in a capacitive imagingglove in certain examples.

In some examples, the DSC 28-a 2 is configured to provide the signal tothe electrode to perform any one or more of capacitive imaging of anelement (e.g., such as a glove, sock, a bodysuit, or any portion of acapacitive imaging component associated with the user and/or operativeto be worn and/or used by a user) that includes the electrode (e.g.,such as a capacitive imaging glove, a capacitive imaging sock, acapacitive imaging bodysuit, or any portion of a capacitive imagingcomponent associated with the user and/or operative to be worn and/orused by a user), digit movement detection such as based on a competitiveimaging glove, inter-digit movement detection such as based on acompetitive imaging glove, movement detection within a three-dimensional(3-D) space, and/or other purpose(s).

This embodiment of a DSC 28-a 2 includes a current source 110-1 and apower signal change detection circuit 112-a 1. The power signal changedetection circuit 112-a 1 includes a power source reference circuit 130and a comparator 132. The current source 110-1 may be an independentcurrent source, a dependent current source, a current mirror circuit,etc.

In an example of operation, the power source reference circuit 130provides a current reference 134 with DC and oscillating components tothe current source 110-1. The current source generates a current as thepower signal 116 based on the current reference 134. An electricalcharacteristic of the electrode 85 has an effect on the current powersignal 116. For example, if the impedance of the electrode 85 decreasesand the current power signal 116 remains substantially unchanged, thevoltage across the electrode 85 is decreased.

The comparator 132 compares the current reference 134 with the affectedpower signal 118 to produce the signal 120 that is representative of thechange to the power signal. For example, the current reference signal134 corresponds to a given current (I) times a given impedance (Z). Thecurrent reference generates the power signal to produce the givencurrent (I). If the impedance of the electrode 85 substantially matchesthe given impedance (Z), then the comparator's output is reflective ofthe impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the electrode85 is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator's outputis indicative of how much greater the impedance of the electrode 85 isthan that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the electrode85 is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator's output isindicative of how much less the impedance of the electrode 85 is thanthat of the given impedance (Z).

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2300 of a DSCthat is interactive with an electrode in accordance with the presentinvention. Similar to other diagrams, examples, embodiments, etc.herein, the DSC 28-a 3 of this diagram is in communication with one ormore processing modules 42. Similar to the previous diagram, althoughproviding a different embodiment of the DSC, the DSC 28-a 3 isconfigured to provide a signal to the electrode 85 via a single line andsimultaneously to sense that signal via the single line. In someexamples, sensing the signal includes detection of an electricalcharacteristic of the electrode 85 that is based on a response of theelectrode 85 to that signal. Examples of such an electricalcharacteristic may include detection of an impedance of the electrode 85such as a change of capacitance of the electrode 85, detection of one ormore signals coupled into the electrode 85 such as from one or moreother electrodes, and/or other electrical characteristics. In addition,note that the electrode 85 may be implemented in a capacitive imagingglove in certain examples.

This embodiment of a DSC 28-a 3 includes a voltage source 110-2 and apower signal change detection circuit 112-a 2. The power signal changedetection circuit 112-a 2 includes a power source reference circuit130-2 and a comparator 132-2. The voltage source 110-2 may be a battery,a linear regulator, a DC-DC converter, etc.

In an example of operation, the power source reference circuit 130-2provides a voltage reference 136 with DC and oscillating components tothe voltage source 110-2. The voltage source generates a voltage as thepower signal 116 based on the voltage reference 136. An electricalcharacteristic of the electrode 85 has an effect on the voltage powersignal 116. For example, if the impedance of the electrode 85 decreasesand the voltage power signal 116 remains substantially unchanged, thecurrent through the electrode 85 is increased.

The comparator 132 compares the voltage reference 136 with the affectedpower signal 118 to produce the signal 120 that is representative of thechange to the power signal. For example, the voltage reference signal134 corresponds to a given voltage (V) divided by a given impedance (Z).The voltage reference generates the power signal to produce the givenvoltage (V). If the impedance of the electrode 85 substantially matchesthe given impedance (Z), then the comparator's output is reflective ofthe impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the electrode85 is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator's outputis indicative of how much greater the impedance of the electrode 85 isthan that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the electrode85 is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator's output isindicative of how much less the impedance of the electrode 85 is thanthat of the given impedance (Z).

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2400 of computingdevices within a system operative to facilitate coupling of one or moresignals from a first computing device via a user to a second computingdevice in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a useris operative to interact with different respective computing devices.The user interacts with computing device 2420 and also computing device2424 that includes a touchscreen display with sensors 80. The computingdevice 2420 may be any of a variety of types including any one or moreof a portable device, cell phone, smartphone, tablet, etc. In certainexamples, the computing device 2420 is a device capable to betransported with the user as the user moves and changes location.However, note that in other examples, the computing device 2420 is astationary device having a fixed location and not being a portabledevice per se, such as a desktop computer, a television, a set-top box,etc. such as a device that substantially remains in a given location.

As the user interacts with the computing device 2424, such as touchingthe touchscreen display with sensors 80 with a finger, hand, a stylus,e-pen, and/or another appropriate device to interact therewith, etc., oris within sufficiently close proximity to facilitate coupling from theuser to the deep lights 2424 and a touchscreen display with sensors 80thereof, the computing device 2424 is operative to receive input fromthe user.

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420includes a display 2422 that is operative to display one or more imagesthereon. The user interacts with the one or more images that aregenerated on the display 2422, and based on such interaction, one ormore signals associated with one or more images are coupled through theuser from the computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424. Asdescribed herein, when a display such as within computing device 2420 isoperative to produce one or more images thereon, the hardware componentsof the computing device 2420 generate various signals to effectuate therendering of the one or more images on the display 2422 of the computingdevice 2420. For example, in accordance with operation of the display2422 to render the one or more images thereon, the actual hard workcomponents of the display 2422 themselves (e.g., such as the gate lines,the data lines, the sub-pixel electrodes, etc.) include signalgeneration circuitry that is configured to generate the one or moresignals to be coupled into the user's body. These signals are coupledvia the user's body from the computing device 2420 to the computingdevice 2424. The touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the computingdevice 2420 is configured to detect the one or more signals that arecoupled via the user from the computing device 2420.

In certain samples, the computing device 2424 is implemented to includea number of electrodes 85 of the touchscreen display with sensors 80such that each respective electrode 85 is connected to orcommunicatively coupled to a respective drive-sense circuit (DSC) 28.For example, a first electrode 85 is connected to or communicativelycoupled to a first DSC 28, a second electrode 85 is connected to orcommunicatively coupled to a second DSC 28, etc.

In this diagram as well as others here and, one or more processingmodules 42 is configured to communicate with and interact with the DSC28. This diagram particularly shows the one or more processing modules42 implemented to communicate with and interact with a first DSC 28 andup to an nth DSC 28, where n is a positive integer greater than or equalto 2, that are respectively connected to and/or coupled to electrodes85.

Note that the communication and interaction between the one or moreprocessing modules 42 and any given one of the DSCs 28 may beimplemented in via any desired number of communication pathways (e.g.,generally n communication pathways, where n is a positive integergreater than or equal to one). The one or more processing modules 42 iscoupled to at least one DSC 28 (e.g., a first DSC 28 associated with afirst electrode 85 and a second DSC 28 associated with a secondelectrode 85). Note that the one or more processing modules 42 mayinclude integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At leastsome of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by theone or more processing modules 42. In addition, note that the one ormore processing modules 42 may interface with one or more other devices,components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links,networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. (e.g., such as via oneor more communication interfaces of the computing device 2420, such asmay be integrated into the one or more processing modules 42 or beimplemented as a separate component, circuitry, etc.).

Considering one of the DSCs 28, the DSC 28 is configured to provide asignal to an electrode 85. Note that the DSC 28 is configured to providethe signal to the electrode and also simultaneously to sense the signalthat is provided to the electrode including detecting any change of thesignal. For example, a DSC 28 is configured to provide a signal to theelectrode 85 to which it is connected or coupled and simultaneouslysense that signal including any change thereof. For example, the DSC 28is configured to sense a signal that is capacitively coupled between theelectrodes 85 including any change of the signal. In some examples, theDSC 28 is also configured to sense a signal that is capacitively coupledinto an electrode 85 after having been coupled via the user from thecomputing device 2420.

Generally speaking, a DSC 28 is configured to provide a signal havingany of a variety of characteristics such as a signal that includes onlya DC component, a signal that includes only an AC component, or a signalthat includes both a DC and AC component.

In addition, in some examples, the one or more processing modules 42 isconfigured to provide a reference signal to the DSC 28, facilitatecommunication with the DSC 28, perform interfacing and control of theoperation of one or more components of the DSC 28, receive digitalinformation from the DSC 28 that may be used for a variety of purposesdetecting, identifying, processing, etc. one or more signals that havebeen coupled from the computing device 2420 via the user to thecomputing device 2424 and also to interpret those one or more signals.Note that these one or more signals may be used to convey any of avariety of types of information from the computing device 2420 via theuser to the computing device 2424.

Examples of some types of information that may be conveyed within theseone or more signals may include any one or more of user identificationinformation related to the user, name of the user, etc., financialrelated information such as payment information, credit cardinformation, banking information, etc., shipping information such as apersonal address, a business address, etc. to which one or more selectedor purchase products are to be shipped, etc., and/or contact informationassociated with the user such as phone number, e-mail address, physicaladdress, business card information, a web link such as a UniversalResource Location (URL), etc. Generally speaking, such one or moresignals may be generated and produced to include any desired informationto be conveyed from the computing device 2420 to the computing device2424 via the user.

Other examples of other types of information that may be conveyed withinthese one or more signals may include any one or more of informationfrom the computing device 2420 that is desired to be displayed on thedisplay of the computing device 2424. For example, consider thecomputing device 2420 as including information therein that the userwould like to display it on another screen, such as the display of thecomputing device 2424. Examples of such information may include personalhealth monitoring information, such as may be collected and provided bya smart device such as a smart watch, which monitors any one or morecharacteristics of the user. Examples of such characteristics mayinclude any one or more of heart rate, EKG patterns, number of stepsduring a given period of time, the number of hours of sleep within agiven period of time, etc. The user of such a smart device may desire tohave information collected by that smart device to be displayed onanother screen, such as the display of the computing device 2424.

Even other examples of types of information may be conveyed within theseone or more signals may include instructional information. For example,the information provided from the computing device 2420 to the computingdevice 2424 may include instructional information from the computingdevice 2420 that is operative to instruct the computing device 2424 toperform some operation. For example, the instruction may include thedirection for the computing device 2424 to retrieve information from adatabase, server, via one or more networks 26, such as the Internet,etc. The instruction may alternatively include the direction for thecomputing device 2424 two locate a particular file, perform a particularaction, etc.

In some examples, such instructional information may be conveyed astokenized information. For example, the data that is transferred fromthe computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424 may include atoken that, when interpreted based on a tokenized communication protocolunderstood and used by both the computing device 2420 in the computingdevice 2424, instructs the computing device 2424 to perform a particularoperation. This may include instructing the computing device 2424 toretrieve certain information from a database, server, via one or morenetworks 26, such as the Internet, etc. Alternatively, this may includeinstructing the computing device 2424 to go to and/or retrieveinformation from a particular website link, such as a web link such as aUniversal Resource Location (URL), etc.

For example, the information that is conveyed within these one or moresignals that are communicated from the computing device 2420 via theuser to the computing device 2424 may include information that is bebased on some particular communication protocol such that theinformation, upon being interpreted and recovered by the computingdevice 2424, instructs the computing device 2424 to perform someoperation (e.g., locating a file, performing some action, accessing adatabase, displaying a particular image or particular information on itsdisplay, etc.).

Even other examples of information that is conveyed within these one ormore signals that are communicated from computing device 2420 via theuser to the computing device 2424 may correspond to one or more gesturesthat are performed by a user that is interacting with a touchscreen ofthe computing device 2420. For example, a particular pattern, sequenceof movements, such as a signature, such as spreading two digits apart asthey are in contact with the touchscreen or closing the distance betweentwo digits as they are in contact with the touchscreen, etc. may be usedto instruct the computing device 2420 include particular informationwithin one or more signals that are coupled from the computing device2420 via the user to the computing device 2424.

For example, consider a user having to digits in contact with an imagethat is displayed on the display of the computing device 2420 andspreading two digits apart has to scale or increase the size of theimage being displayed on the display of the computing device 2420. Sucha gesture by the user instructs the computing device 2420 to generateinformation that includes instruction for the computing device 2424 toscale or increase the size of the same image or another image that isbeing displayed on the display of the computing device 2424, and thecomputing device 2420 then generates one or more signals that includessuch instruction and are then coupled from the computing device 2420 viathe user to the computing device 2424. Similarly, a different gesture,such as a user closing the distance between two digits as they are incontact with a portion of the touchscreen that is displaying an image,made results in the computing device 2420 to generate information thatincludes instruction for the computing device 2424 to scale or decreasethe size of the same image or another image that is being displayed onthe display of the computing device 2424. In general, any desiredmapping of gestures to instructions, information, etc. may be madewithin the computing device 2420.

With respect to the signals that are generated by the computing device2420 accordance with displaying one or more images on the display 2422of the computing device 2420, note that such signals may be of any of avariety of types. Various examples are described below regardingdifferent respective images being used to produce different respectivesignals, based on displaying images on the display 2422 of the computingdevice 2420 having certain characteristics. In accordance withgenerating such signals by displaying images on the display 2422 of thecomputing device 2420, the computing device 2420 is configured toproduce and transmit one or more signals having any of a number ofdesired properties via the user to the computing device 2424.

In addition, note that such signals may be implemented to include anydesired characteristics, properties, parameters, etc. For example, asignal generated by the display of an image 2421 on the display 2422 ofthe computing device 2420 may be based on encoding of one or more bitsto generate one or more coded bits used to generate modulation data (orgenerally, data). For example, one or more processing modules isincluded within or associated with computing device 2420. Note that theone or more processing modules implemented within or associated with thecomputing device 2420 may include integrated memory and/or be coupled toother memory. At least some of the memory stores operationalinstructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules. Inaddition, note that the one or more processing modules 42 may interfacewith one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one ormore communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels,etc. (e.g., such as via one or more communication interfaces of thecomputing device 2420, such as may be integrated into the one or moreprocessing modules 42 or be implemented as a separate component,circuitry, etc.).

These one or more processing modules included within or associated withcomputing device 2420 is configured to perform forward error correction(FEC) and/or error checking and correction (ECC) code of one or morebits to generate one or more coded bits. Examples of FEC and/or ECC mayinclude turbo code, convolutional code, turbo trellis coded modulation(TTCM), low density parity check (LDPC) code, Reed-Solomon (RS) code,BCH (Bose and Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem) code, binary convolutionalcode (BCC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and/or any other type of ECCand/or FEC code and/or combination thereof, etc. Note that more than onetype of ECC and/or FEC code may be used in any of variousimplementations including concatenation (e.g., first ECC and/or FEC codefollowed by second ECC and/or FEC code, etc. such as based on an innercode/outer code architecture, etc.), parallel architecture (e.g., suchthat first ECC and/or FEC code operates on first bits while second ECCand/or FEC code operates on second bits, etc.), and/or any combinationthereof.

Also, these one or more processing modules included within or associatedwith computing device 2420 is configured to process the one or morecoded bits in accordance with modulation or symbol mapping to generatemodulation symbols (e.g., the modulation symbols may include dataintended for one or more recipient devices, components, elements, etc.).Note that such modulation symbols may be generated using any of varioustypes of modulation coding techniques. Examples of such modulationcoding techniques may include binary phase shift keying (BPSK),quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8-phase shift keying (PSK), 16quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 32 amplitude and phase shiftkeying (APSK), etc., uncoded modulation, and/or any other desired typesof modulation including higher ordered modulations that may include evengreater number of constellation points (e.g., 1024 QAM, etc.).

In certain examples, the display 2422 of the computing device 2420includes a display alone. In other examples, the display 2422 of thecomputing device 2420 includes a display with touchscreen displaycapability, but is not particularly implemented in accordance withelectrodes 85 that are respectively serviced by a number of respectiveDSCs 28.

However, in even other examples, the display 2422 of the computingdevice 2420 includes a display with touchscreen display with sensors 80capability that is implemented in accordance with electrodes 85 that arerespectively serviced by a number of respective DSCs 28 as describedherein. For example, the display 2422 of the computing device 2420includes a touchscreen display with sensors 80. For example, similar tothe implementation shown with respect to computing device 2424, a numberof electrodes 85 of a touchscreen display with sensors 80 may beimplemented within the computing device 2420 such that a number ofrespective DSCs 28 are implemented to service the respective electrodes85 of such a touching display with sensors 80 that are implementedwithin the computing device 2420 and also: communicate with andcooperate with one or more processing modules 42 that may include memoryand/or be coupled to memory, in a similar fashion by which suchcomponents are implemented and operated within the computing device2424.

In accordance with implementation that is based on a display withtouchscreen display with sensors 80 capability that is implemented inaccordance with electrodes 85 that are respectively serviced by a numberof respective DSCs 28 as described herein, note that a signal providedfrom a DSC may be of a unique frequency that is different from signalsprovided from other DSCs. Also, a signal provided from a DSC may includemultiple frequencies independently or simultaneously. The frequency ofthe signal can be hopped on a pre-arranged pattern. In some examples, ahandshake is established between one or more DSCs and one or moreprocessing modules (e.g., one or more controllers) such that the one ormore DSC is/are directed by the one or more processing modules regardingwhich frequency or frequencies and/or which other one or morecharacteristics of the one or more signals to use at one or morerespective times and/or in one or more particular situations.

With respect to any signal that is driven and simultaneously detected bya DSC 28, note that any additional signal that is coupled into anelectrode 85 associated with that DSC 28 is also detectable. Forexample, a DSC 28 that is associated with such electrode is configuredto detect any signal from one or more other sources that may include anyone or more of electrodes, touch sensors, buses, communication links,loads, electrical couplings or connections, etc. that get coupled intothat line, electrode, touch sensor, bus, communication link, a battery,load, electrical coupling or connection, etc.

In addition, note the different respective signals that are driven andsimultaneously sensed by one or more DSCs 28 may be are differentiatedfrom one another. Appropriate filtering and processing can identify thevarious signals given their differentiation, orthogonality to oneanother, difference in frequency, etc. Other examples described hereinand their equivalents operate using any of a number of differentcharacteristics other than or in addition to frequency.

In an example of operation and implementation, an application, an “app,”is opened by the user on the computing device 2420 based on the userappropriately interacting with the computing device 2420 (e.g., pressinga button of the computing device 2420, such as a hard button on a sideof the computing device 2420, by pressing an icon that is associatedwith the application that is displayed on the display 2422 of thecomputing device 2420, etc.), and the initiation of the operation ofsuch an application produces an image 2421 on a display 2422 of thecomputing device 2420. As the image 2421 is generated and displayed onthe display 2422 of the computing device 2420, one or more signals aregenerated by the image 2421 on the display 2422 of the computing device2420 and are coupled into the user's body as the user is touching theimage 2421 on the display 2422 of the computing device 2420 or is withinsufficient proximity to facilitate coupling of signals associated withthe image 2421 into the user's body. These signal(s) are coupled intouser's body. This may be performed via finger, hand, stylus, e-pen, etc.being in contact with (or sufficiently close to) to the image 2421 onthe display 2422 of the computing device 2420.

Then, based on operation of the application, one or more signalsassociated with the image 2421 or coupled into the user's body, throughthe user's body, and are coupled into one or more of the electrodes 85of the touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the computing device 2424.One or more DSCs 28 of the computing device 2424 is configured to detectthe one or more signals associated with the image 2421 that have beengenerated within the computing device 2420 and coupled via the user'sbody to the into one or more of the electrodes 85 of the touchscreendisplay with sensors 80 of the computing device 2424. These signal(s)are coupled from the user's body to electrode(s) 85 of the touchscreendisplay with sensors 80. This may be performed via finger, hand, stylus,e-pen, etc. being in contact with (or sufficiently close to)electrode(s) 85.

In accordance with operation of a DSC 28 within the computing device2424, a reference signal is used to facilitate operation of the DSC 28as described herein. Note that such a reference signal that providedfrom the one or more processing modules 42 to a DSC 28 in this diagramas well as any other diagram herein may have any desired form. Forexample, the reference signal may be selected to have any desiredmagnitude, frequency, phase, etc. among other various signalcharacteristics. In addition, the reference signal may have any desiredwaveform. For example, many examples described herein are directedtowards a reference signal having a DC component and/or an AC component.Note that the AC component may have any desired waveform shape includingsinusoid, sawtooth wave, triangular wave, square wave signal, etc. amongthe various desired waveform shapes. In addition, note that DC componentmay be positive or negative. Moreover, note that some examples operatehaving no DC component (e.g., a DC component having a value of zero/0).In addition, note that more the AC component may include more than onecomponent corresponding to more than one frequency. For example, the ACcomponent may include a first AC component having a first frequency anda second AC component having a second frequency. Generally speaking, theAC component may include any number of AC components having any numberof respective frequencies.

Based on coupling of the one or more signals associated with the image2421, via the user's body, and into one or more of the electrodes 85 ofthe touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the computing device 2424will be affected by those one or more signals. The one or more DSCs 28that is configured to interact with and service the one or moreelectrodes 85 of the touchscreen display with sensors 80 of thecomputing device 2424 into which the one or more signals associated withthe image 2421 are coupled is also configured to detect those one ormore signals associated with the image 2421 such as based on any changeof signals that are driven to the one or more electrodes 85 of thetouchscreen display with sensors 80 of the computing device 2424 andsimultaneously sensed by the one or more DSCs 28 within the computingdevice 2424.

From certain perspectives, this diagram provides an illustration of thecommunication system that facilitates communication from the computingdevice 2420 to the computing device 2424, and vice versa if desired,using the user as the communication channel, the communication medium,etc. In addition, note that communication may be made between thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 via alternativemeans as also described herein including via one or more communicationsystems, communication networks, etc. with which the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 are configured to interact with andcommunicate (e.g., a cellular telephone system, a wireless communicationsystem, satellite communication system, a wireless local area network(WLAN), a wired communication system, a local area network (LAN), acable-based communication system, fiber-optic communication system,etc.).

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420includes signal generation circuitry. When enabled, the signalgeneration circuitry operably coupled and configured to generate asignal that includes information corresponding to a user and/or anapplication that is operative within the computing device. Also, thesignal generation circuitry operably coupled and configured to couplethe signal into the user from a location on the computing device basedon a bodily portion of the user being in contact with or withinsufficient proximity to the location on the computing device thatfacilitates coupling of the signal into the user. Also, note that thesignal is coupled via the user to computing device 2424 that includes atouchscreen display that is operative to detect and receive the signalbased on another bodily portion of the user being in contact with orwithin sufficient proximity to the touchscreen display of the othercomputing device that facilitates coupling of the signal from the user.

In some examples, the computing device includes a display and/or atouchscreen display that is operative as the signal generationcircuitry. For example, the computing device 2420 includes a displaythat includes certain hardware components. Examples of such hardwarecomponents may include a plurality of pixel electrodes coupled via aplurality of lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) to one or moreprocessing modules. When enabled, the display is operably coupled andconfigured to display an image within at least a portion of the displaybased on image data associated with operation of the application that isoperative within the computing device. In such an implementation, thesignal generation circuitry includes at least some of the plurality ofpixel electrodes and at least some of the plurality of lines of thedisplay that are operative to facilitate display the image within the atleast a portion of the display.

Also, in certain examples, the computing device includes memory thatstores operational instructions and one or more processing modules thatis operably coupled to the display and the memory. Wherein, whenenabled, the one or more processing modules is configured to execute theoperational instructions to generate the image data based on operationof the application within the computing device that is initiated basedon input from the user to the computing device. The one or moreprocessing modules is also configured to execute the operationalinstructions to provide the image data to the display via a displayinterface to be used by the display to render image within the at leasta portion of the display.

In some examples, the display includes a resolution that specifies anumber of pixel rows and is operative based on a frame refresh rate(FRR). A gate scanning frequency of the display is a product resultingfrom the number of pixel rows multiplied by the FRR, and a frequency ofthe signal is a sub-multiple of a gate scanning frequency that is thegate scanning frequency divided by a positive integer that is greaterthan or equal to 2.

In even other examples, the frequency of the signal is a sub-multiple ofthe gate scanning frequency that is one-half of the gate scanningfrequency multiple by a fraction N/M, where N is a first positiveinteger that is greater than or equal to 2, and M is a second positiveinteger that is greater than or equal to 2 and also greater than N.

Examples of the location on the computing device may include any one ormore of at least a portion of a display of the computing device, atouchscreen display of the computing device, a button of the computingdevice, a frame of the computing device, and/or a ground plane of thecomputing device.

Also, examples of the information corresponding to the user and/or theapplication that is operative within the computing device may includeany one or more of user identification information related to the user,financial related information associated with the user, shippinginformation associated with the user, and/or contact informationassociated with the user.

Moreover, in certain specific examples, the user identificationinformation related to the user includes any one or more of a name ofthe user, a username of the user, a phone number of the user, an e-mailaddress of the user, a personal address of the user, a business addressof the user, and/or business card information of the user. Also, thefinancial related information associated with the user includes any oneor more of payment information of the user, credit card information ofthe user, or banking information of the user. The shipping informationassociated with the user includes any one or more of a personal addressof the user and/or a business address of the user. Also, the contactinformation associated with the user includes any one or more of a phonenumber of the user, an e-mail address of the user, a personal address ofthe user, a business address of the user, and/or business cardinformation of the user.

In some particular examples, the touchscreen display of the othercomputing device includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality ofdrive-sense circuits (DSCs), wherein, when enabled, a DSC of theplurality of DSCs is operably coupled and configured to provide a sensorsignal via a single line to a sensor of the plurality of sensors andsimultaneously to sense the sensor signal via the single line. Note thatthe sensing of the sensor signal includes detection of an electricalcharacteristic of the sensor signal that includes coupling of the signalfrom the user into the sensor of the plurality of sensors. Also, the DSCof the plurality of DSCs is operably coupled and configured to generatea digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of thesensor signal.

In some implementations of the DSC, the DSC includes a power sourcecircuit operably coupled and configured to the sensor of the pluralityof sensors. When enabled, the power source circuit is operably coupledand configured to provide the sensor signal via the single line to thesensor of the plurality of sensors. Also, the sensor signal includes aDC (direct current) component and/or an oscillating component. The DSCalso includes a power source change detection circuit that is operablycoupled and configured to the power source circuit. When enabled, thepower source change detection circuit is configured to detect an effecton the sensor signal that is based on the coupling of the signal fromthe user into sensor of the plurality of sensors.

In some specific examples of the DSC, the power source circuit includesa power source to source a voltage and/or a current to the sensor of theplurality of sensors via the single line. Also, the power source changedetection circuit included a power source reference circuit configuredto provide a voltage reference and/or a current reference. The DSC alsoincludes a comparator configured to compare the voltage and/or thecurrent provided to the sensor of the plurality of sensors to thevoltage reference and/or the current reference, appropriately such asvoltage to voltage reference and current to current reference, toproduce the sensor signal.

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420includes a touchscreen display that includes a plurality of sensors anda plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSCs). When enabled, a DSC of theplurality of DSCs is operably coupled and configured to provide a firstsignal via a single line to a sensor of the plurality of sensors andsimultaneously to sense the first signal via the single line, whereinsensing of the first signal includes detection of an electricalcharacteristic of the first signal. The DSC is also is operably coupledand configured to generate a digital signal representative of theelectrical characteristic of the first signal.

The computing device 2420 also includes signal generation circuitry.When enabled, the signal generation circuitry is operably coupled andconfigured to generate a second signal that includes informationcorresponding to a user and/or an application that is operative withinthe computing device 2420. The signal generation circuitry is operablycoupled and configured to couple the second signal into the user from alocation on the computing device 2420 based on a bodily portion of theuser being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to thelocation on the computing device 2420 that facilitates coupling of thesecond signal into the user, wherein the second signal is coupled viathe user to another computing device 2424 that includes another that isoperative to detect and receive the second signal based on anotherbodily portion of the user being in contact with or within sufficientproximity to the touchscreen display of the another computing device2424 that facilitates coupling of the second signal from the user.

FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2500 ofcomputing devices within a system operative to facilitate coupling ofone or more signals from a first computing device via a user to a secondcomputing device in accordance with the present invention. This diagramhas similarities to the previous diagram with at least one differencebeing that the computing device 2420 includes one or more buttonsimplemented thereon. For example, the computing device 2420 includes abutton 2523 that is configured to produce an couple one or more signalsinto the user's body. In some examples, the button 2523 includes a hardbutton on the computing device 2420 (e.g., such as having similar shape,style, etc., such as a power on or off button, a volume up or downbutton, a display intensity increase or decrease button, a dimmerbutton, and/or any other button of the computing device 2420, etc.).

As the user interacts with the button 2523 of the computing device 2420(e.g., by touching the button 2523 of the computing device 2420 with afinger, a thumb, a hand, a stylus, an e-pen, etc. or alternatively beingwithin sufficiently close proximity to the button 2523 of the computingdevice 2420 as to facilitate coupling from the button 2523 of thecomputing device 2420 into the body of the user), one or more signals iscoupled into the body of the user. These signal(s) are coupled intouser's body. This may be performed via finger, hand, stylus, e-pen, etc.being in contact with (or sufficiently close to) the button 2523 of thecomputing device 2420.

In an example of operation and implementation, an application, an “app,”is opened by the user on the computing device 2420 based on the userappropriately interacting with the computing device 2420 (e.g., pressingthe button 2523 of the computing device 2420, by pressing an icon thatis associated with the application that is displayed on the display 2422of the computing device 2420, etc.), and the initiation of the operationof such an application operates to produce one or more signals that iscoupled via the button 2523 of the computing device 2420 into the bodyof the user.

In certain examples, one or more signal generators, signal generationcircuitry, and/or one or more processing modules implemented isconnected to or communicatively coupled to the button 2523 and isoperative to generate one or more signals to be coupled from a firstcomputing device via a user to a second computing device. For example, asignal generator may be coupled to the button 2523, a signal generatormay be implemented in computing device 2420 near button 2523.Alternatively, a signal generator may be implemented any other locationon device 2420 (e.g., frame, ground plane, etc.) For example, based onoperation of the application, the one or more signal generators and/orone or more processing modules is configured to generate one or moresignals that are coupled to the button 2523, and when a user is incontact with the button 2523 or within sufficient proximity to thebutton 2523 so as to facilitate coupling of those signals from thecomputing device that includes button 2523 to the user, then one or moresignals that are associated with the button 2523 are be coupled from thecomputing device that includes the button 2523 via the user to anothercomputing device.

Then, based on operation of the application, one or more signalsassociated with the image 2421 or coupled into the user's body via thebutton 2523, through the user's body, and are coupled into one or moreof the electrodes 85 of the touchscreen display with sensors 80 of thecomputing device 2424. One or more DSCs 28 of the computing device 2424is configured to detect the one or more signals associated with theimage 2421 that have been generated within the computing device 2420 andcoupled via the user's body to the into one or more of the electrodes 85of the touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the computing device 2424.These signal(s) are coupled from the user's body to electrode(s) 85 ofthe touchscreen display with sensors 80. This may be performed viafinger, hand, stylus, e-pen, etc. being in contact with (or sufficientlyclose to) to electrode(s) 85.

In addition, while the use of a button 2523 is used in certain examplesherein, note that any desired element or component of the computingdevice 2420 may alternatively be the means via which one or more signalsis coupled into the user. For example, one or more signals that may begenerated by any one or more signal generators, signal generationcircuitry, etc. such as one or more processing modules 42, a controller,an integrated circuit, an oscillator, etc. may be coupled into the userusing any desired component of the computing device 2420 that may belocated at any desired location on the computing device 2420 such as abutton of the device, the frame of the device, a ground plane of thedevice, and/or some other location on the computing device 2420, etc.

Several of the following diagrams show various the embodiments,examples, etc., by which information may be conveyed from the firstcomputing device to a second computing device via a user. In someinstances, different information is provided via different images,buttons, pathways via the user, etc.

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2600 of couplingof one or more signals from a first computing device, such as from animage displayed by the computing device, via a user to a secondcomputing device in accordance with the present invention. This diagramshows a left-hand and right-hand of the user that are respectivelyinteracting with the first computing device 2420 and a second computingdevice 2424. Note that the first computing device 2420 may be a portabledevice, stationary device, etc., and the second computing device 2424may be a portable device, stationary device, etc. On a display (oralternatively a touchscreen display with sensors 80 of first computingdevice 2420) of the first computing device 2420, an image 2421 is beingdisplayed, and a thumb of the user is shown as being in contact with orwithin sufficient proximity of the image 2421 as to facilitate couplingof one or more signals associated with the image 2421 into the user'sbody. The signals are coupled through the user's body (e.g., via a digitof the user, such as a thumb of the user as shown in the second, andinto the body of the user). The signals are coupled through the user'sbody and also into a touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the secondcomputing device 2424. In some instances, a particular image 2423 isdisplayed on the touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the secondcomputing device 2424, and the user is in contact with or withinsufficient proximity of the image 2423 as to facilitate coupling of theone or more signals associated with the image 2421 that have beencoupled through the user's body into a portion of the touchscreendisplay with sensors 80 of the second computing device 2424 andspecifically in a location of the image 2423. For example, these signalsare coupled out of the user's body via a user's digit to electrode(s) 85(touch sensors, touchscreen, etc.).

In an example of operation and implementation, consider electrodes 85that have at least portions thereof underneath the portion of thetouchscreen display with sensors 80 that is displaying the image 2423.Those particular electrodes 85 are configured to detect the one or moresignals associated with the image 2421 that have been coupled throughthe user's body into a portion of the touchscreen display with sensors80 of the second computing device 2424 and specifically in a location ofthe image 2423. In this example, note that a particular portion of thetouchscreen display with sensors 80 of the second computing device 2424,specifically that associated with the image 2423, is the area withinwhich the one or more signals associated with the image 2421 that havebeen coupled through the user's body are targeted. Note that the image2423 may be associated with any of a number of items, such as anapplication being run on the computing device 2424, a particular objectthat is displayed pictorially (e.g., such as using a photo, a character,an emoji, textual description, or some other visual indicator of aparticular object) and that is selected by the user on the touchscreendisplay with sensors 80 of the second computing device 2424. Thisexample corresponds to an embodiment by which information is conveyedfrom the first computing device 2420 to a specific area or location ofthe second computing device 2424.

In other examples, note that the user is in contact with or withinsufficient proximity of the computing device 2424 as to facilitatecoupling of those one or more signals associated with the image 2421that have been coupled through the user's body to any of the electrodes85 that are implemented within the touchscreen display with sensors 80of the second computing device 2424. For example, there may be instancesin which the coupling of the one or more signals associated with theimage 2421 that have been coupled through the user's body to any portionof the second computing device 2424 is sufficient as to facilitatecommunication and to convey information from the first computing device2420 to the second computing device 2424.

In addition, with respect to this diagram and others herein, note thatthe location of an image, such as image 2421, may be made based on theoperation of the first computing device 2420 itself, or based ondetection of a touch of a user on a touchscreen of the first computingdevice 2420 (or detection of a user be in within sufficient proximity ofthe touchscreen of the first computing device 2420). In some examples,the image 2421 is placed at a particular location based on operation ofthe first computing device 2420 without consideration of userinteraction with the touchscreen of the first computing device 2420.Consider the image 2421 being displayed on a display of the firstcomputing nice 2420, and the user interacts with that image by touching,or coming within sufficiently close proximity to the image 2420, as tofacilitate coupling of one or more signals associated with the image2421 into the user's body.

In other examples, the touchscreen of the first computing device 2420detects the presence of the user, and the display of the first computingdevice 2420 displays the image 2421 at a location associated with thepresence of the user with respect to the touchscreen of the firstcomputing device 2420. For example, as the user interacts with thetouchscreen of the first computing device 2420 (e.g., at any desiredparticular location on the entirety of the touchscreen of the firstcomputing device 2420), the display then displays the image 2421 at alocation that corresponds to where the user is interacting with thetouchscreen of the first computing device 2420.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2700 of couplingof one or more signals from a first computing device, such as from abutton of the computing device, via a user to a second computing devicein accordance with the present invention. This diagram is similar to theprior diagram with at least one difference being that the button 2523that is implemented on the computing device 2420 is the pathway viawhich one or more signals are coupled from the first computing device2420 to the second computing device 2424 via the user. In this example,a portion of the user is in contact with or within sufficient proximityof the button 2523 of the computing device 2420 as to facilitatecoupling of those one or more signals from the button 2523 into the userbody (e.g., in this diagram, particularly shown as the thumb of theuser, though any portion of the user's body may alternatively be usedsuch as a different digit of the user, another bodily portion of theuser, etc.).

Certain of the following diagrams show different embodiments, examples,etc. by which one or more signals may be coupled into or out of a uservia one or more respective pathways and based on one or more respectiveimages, buttons, etc. Note that while certain of the examples show oneor more signals being coupled into a user's body from the firstcomputing device 2420, note that the complementary operation of one ormore signals being coupled from the user's body into the first computingdevice 2420 may alternatively be performed in different examples. Also,note that while many of the examples use the first computing device2420, another computing device such as a second computing device 2424may alternatively be implemented to facilitate similar operation.

In this example, the first computing device 2420 includes signalgeneration circuitry 2710. For example, such signal generation circuitry2710 may be implemented using any one or more components capable ofgenerating one or more signals that may be coupled into a user of thefirst computing device 2420 at one or more locations on the firstcomputing device 2420. Examples of such signal generation circuitry 2710may include any one or more of controller circuitries of the firstcomputing device 2420 (e.g., such as a first controller circuitryimplemented to control display operations of a display 83 and a secondcontroller circuitry implemented to control touchscreen operationswithin a touchscreen display with sensors 80). In some examples, thesignals from the signal generation circuitry 2710 are coupled to alocation on first computing device 2420, e.g., button, frame, groundplane, etc.

Additional examples of such signal generation circuitry 2710 may includeprocessing module(s) of various types within the first computing device2420. Examples of such processing module(s) may include one or moreprocessing modules 42 implemented to control both the display operationsand touch sensing operations within a touchscreen display with sensors80, a touchscreen processing module 82 implemented to control only thetouch sensing operations within a touchscreen display with sensors 80,and/or more processing modules 42 and/or a video graphics processingmodule 48 implemented to control only the display operations within atouchscreen display with sensors 80, etc. such as described withreference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

Other examples of such signal generation circuitry 2710 may include oneor more DSCs 28 that are coupled respective to one or more electrodes 85of a touchscreen display with sensors. For example, a DSC 28 isconfigured to operate as signal generation circuitry 2710 that isoperative to generate and transmit one or more signals that may becoupled into a user of the first computing device 2420 at one or morelocations on the first computing device 2420 (e.g., via one or moreelectrodes 85 of the touchscreen). In some examples, multiples DSCs 28are configured to operate as signal generation circuitry 2710 that isoperative to generate and transmit one or more signals that may becoupled into a user of the first computing device 2420 at one or morelocations on the first computing device 2420 (e.g., via one or moreelectrodes 85 of the touchscreen).

Even other examples of such signal generation circuitry 2710 may includean oscillator, a mixer, etc. and/or any other circuitry operative togenerate a signal may be used within the first computing device 2420. Ineven other examples, the hardware components of a display of the firstcomputing device 2420 that operative to render the one or more images ona display 83 of the first computing device 2420 constitute thegeneration circuitry 2710 (e.g., such as the gate lines, the data lines,the sub-pixel electrodes, etc. of the display 83 are the signalgeneration circuitry 2710 that is configured to generate the one or moresignals to be coupled into the user's body).

Also, the one or more signals generated by the signal generationcircuitry 2710 may have any of a variety of forms. For example, the oneor more signals may include signals having a DC component and/or an ACcomponent. Note that the AC component may have any desired waveformshape including sinusoid, sawtooth wave, triangular wave, square wavesignal, etc. among other waveform shapes.

In addition, regardless of the manner or mechanism by which the one ormore signals are generated, such one or more signals may be coupled intothe user using any desired location of the first computing device 2420(e.g., a button, frame, ground plane, and/or some other location on thefirst computing device 2420, etc.).

FIG. 28A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2801 of couplingof one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention. In this diagram, an image 2421 is shown as beingdisplayed on a display of the first computing device 2420. Note that thefirst computing device 2420 may be a portable device, a stationarydevice, etc. Also, in alternative examples, the image 2421 displayed ona touchscreen display with sensors 80 of first computing device 2420.One or more signals associated with the image 2421 is coupled into andthrough the user's body based on at least a portion of the user's bodybeing in contact with or within sufficient proximity of the image 2421as to facilitate coupling of the one or more signals associatedtherewith into the user's body. This diagram shows one or more signalsbeing coupled into the users body from a sub-portion of the display ofthe first computing device 2420 that is less than the entirety of thedisplay of the first computing device 2420. Incidentally, thatparticular sub-portion of the display of the first computing device 2420is associated with an image 2421 that is being displayed on the displayof the first computing device 2420.

FIG. 28B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2802 of couplingof one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention. In this diagram, any image 2425 is shown as beingdisplayed on the entirety of the display of the first computing device2420. Note that the first computing device 2420 may be a portabledevice, a stationary device, etc. Also, in alternative examples, animage is displayed on an entirety of a touchscreen display with sensors80 of the first computing device 2420 (e.g., image 2425 displaying onentire display). One or more signals associated with the image 2425 thatoccupies the entirety of the display of the first computing device 2420is coupled into and through the user's body based on at least a portionof the user's body being in contact with or within sufficient proximityof the image 2425 as to facilitate coupling of the one or more signalsassociated therewith into the user's body.

As can be seen in this diagram, three respective digits of a hand of theuser are shown as being in contact with or within sufficient proximityof the image 2425 as to facilitate coupling of the one or more signalsassociated with the image 2425 into the user's body, and similarinformation associated with the image 2425 is transmitted via adifferent respective pathways associated with the three respectivedigits of the hand of the user. This diagram shows an example where oneor more signals are coupled through two or more pathways associated withthe user (e.g., a first pathway associated with coupling of one or moresignals via a first digit of a hand of user, a second passagewayassociated with coupling of one or more signals via a second digit ofthe end of the user, etc.). Such an application may be desirable incertain instances where one or more backup pathways or redundancy ofcoupling similar information is used to improve the overall performanceof the system. For example, consider an example during which there hasbeen a detective failure or poor performance of coupling of one or moresignals via the user. Such an implementation of providing multiplerespective pathways via the user is operative to provide for redundancyand backup to ensure effective coupling of the one or more signals intothe users body.

FIG. 29A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2901 of couplingof one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram shows two different respectiveimages 2421 and 2421-1 that are being displayed on the display of thefirst computing device 2420. Note that the first computing device 2420may be a portable device, a stationary device, etc. Also, in alternativeexamples, two different respective images 2421 and 2421-1 are displayedon an a touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the first computingdevice 2420. Generally speaking, note that the different respectiveimages 2421 and 2421-1 may or may not have similar characteristics,sizes, shapes, etc. Generally speaking, the different respective imagesmay be of any desired size, shape, location, etc. with respect to thedisplay of the first computing device 2420.

In an example of operation and implementation, a first one or moresignals are coupled into the user's body based on a first portion of theuser's body being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to theimage 2421, and a second one or more signals are coupled into the user'sbody based on a second portion of the user's body being in contact withor within sufficient proximity to the image 2421-1. For example,consider that the first digit of the user is in contact with or withinsufficient proximity to the image 2421 as to facilitate coupling of thefirst one or more signals associated with the image 2421 into the user'sbody. Similarly, consider that the second digit of the user is incontact with or within sufficient proximity to the image 2421-1 as tofacilitate coupling of the second one or more signals associated withthe image 2421-1 into the user's body.

Note that different respective information may be conveyed using thefirst one or more signals and the second one or more signals inaccordance with conveying information from a first computing device 2420to another computing device such as a second computing device 2424.

FIG. 29B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2902 ofcoupling of one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram shows, with respect to a hand of theuser, five different respective images 2421, 2421-1, 2421-2, 2421-3, and2421-4 that are being displayed on the display of the first computingdevice 2420. Note that the first computing device 2420 may be a portabledevice, a stationary device, etc. Also, in alternative examples, fivedifferent respective images 2421, 2421-1, 2421-2, 2421-3, and 2421-4 aredisplayed on an a touchscreen display with sensors 80 of the firstcomputing device 2420. Again, note that each of these differentrespective images 2421-1 made have one or more similar characteristics,sizes, shapes, etc. and/or may also have one or more differentcharacteristics, sizes, shapes, etc.

In an example of operation and implementation, a first one or moresignals are coupled into the user's body based on a first portion of theuser's body being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to theimage 2421, a second one or more signals are coupled into the user'sbody based on a second portion of the user's body being in contact withor within sufficient proximity to the image 2421-1, a third one or moresignals are coupled into the user's body based on a third portion of theuser's body being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to theimage 2421-2, a fourth one or more signals are coupled into the user'sbody based on a fourth portion of the user's body being in contact withor within sufficient proximity to the image 2421-3, and a fifth one ormore signals are coupled into the user's body based on a fifth portionof the user's body being in contact with or within sufficient proximityto the image 2421-4.

For example, consider that the first digit (e.g., thumb) of the user isin contact with or within sufficient proximity to the image 2421 as tofacilitate coupling of the first one or more signals associated with theimage 2421 into the user's body. Similarly, consider that the seconddigit (e.g., index finger) of the user is in contact with or withinsufficient proximity to the image 2421-1 as to facilitate coupling ofthe second one or more signals associated with the image 2421-1 into theuser's body.

Also, consider that the third digit (e.g., middle finger) of the user isin contact with or within sufficient proximity to the image 2421-2 as tofacilitate coupling of the second one or more signals associated withthe image 2421-2 into the user's body, consider that the fourth digit(e.g., ring finger) of the user is in contact with or within sufficientproximity to the image 2421-3 as to facilitate coupling of the secondone or more signals associated with the image 2421-3 into the user'sbody, and consider that the fifth digit (e.g., small/pinky finger) ofthe user is in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the image2421-4 as to facilitate coupling of the second one or more signalsassociated with the image 2421-4 into the user's body. As can be seen,different respective signals, information, etc. may be coupled viadifferent respective pathways.

In some examples, at least some of the respective signals that arecoupled into the user's body are differentiated by one or morecharacteristics. For example, in some examples, each respective signalthat is coupled into the user's body (e.g., from each respective image,button, signal generator, signal generation circuitry, etc.) isdifferentiated based on one or more properties and/or characteristicthat may include any one or more of frequency, amplitude, DC offset,modulation, forward error correction (FEC)/error checking and correction(ECC) type, type, waveform shape, phase, etc. among other signalproperties and/or characteristic by which signals may be differentiated.

In some alternative examples, the signals that are coupled into theuser's body (e.g., from each respective image, button, signal generator,signal generation circuitry, etc.) include one or more common propertyand/or characteristic (e.g., at least one of a same frequency,amplitude, DC offset, modulation, FEC/ECC type, type, waveform shape,phase, etc., among other signal properties and/or characteristic). Insuch examples, note that the signals may also be differentiated based onone or more other of such properties and/or characteristic. For example,more than one of the signals may have a common frequency, yet be ofdifferent modulation type. Generally speaking, any combination of one ormore common properties and/or characteristic and one or more differentproperty properties and/or characteristic may be used with respect tothe different signals that are coupled into the user's body (e.g., fromeach respective image, button, signal generator, signal generationcircuitry, etc.).

An even other alternative examples, different respective sets of signalsthat are provided from different sources (e.g., from differentrespective images, buttons, signal generators, signal generationcircuitries, etc.) include one or more common property and/orcharacteristic (e.g., at least one of a same frequency, amplitude, DCoffset, modulation, FEC/ECC type, type, waveform shape, phase, etc.,among other signal properties and/or characteristic). For example,consider a first set of signals provided from a first source (e.g., froma first image, a first button, a first signal generator, first signalgeneration circuitry, etc.) having the at least one of a same first atleast one property or characteristic (e.g., a first frequency and/orfirst amplitude, etc.). Also, consider a second set of signals providedfrom a second source (e.g., from a second image, a second button, asecond signal generator, second signal generation circuitry, etc.)having the at least one of a same second at least one property orcharacteristic (e.g., a first frequency and/or first amplitude, etc.that is different from a second frequency and/or second amplitude,etc.).

In some examples, different signals provided to different respectivesources (e.g., from different respective images, buttons, signalgenerators, etc.) may include one or more common property and/orcharacteristic without deleteriously affecting the performance of oneanother. For example, consider the sources (e.g., from differentrespective images, buttons, signal generators, signal generationcircuitries, etc.) of such signals provided being of sufficiently fardistance away from one another that they may be appropriatelydifferentiated from one another (e.g., buttons on the device beingsufficiently far away from one another so as not adversely to affect oneanother, such as when using sufficiently low power that both of thesignals having one or more common property and/or characteristic wouldnot adversely affect one another, images displayed on a display of adevice being sufficiently far away from one another so as not adverselyto affect one another, etc.).

Also, as shown with respect to certain of the previous diagram andothers herein, different respective images may be used to conveydifferent information from a first computing device to a secondcomputing device via a user. Similarly, note that different respectivebuttons (e.g., different respective hard buttons on the first computingdevice) may similarly be used to convey different information from afirst computing device to a second computing device via a user hasdifferent respective images may be used to convey different informationfrom a first computing device to a second computing device via a user(e.g., a first button implemented to convey a first one or more signalsincluding first information, a second button implemented to convey asecond one or more signals including second information, etc. such thata user may be in contact with or within sufficient proximity as tofacilitate coupling into the user's body of signals from both the firstbutton and the second button).

Also, generally speaking, noted that any one signal that is coupled intouser's body may be a combination of any two or more signals. Forexample, a first signal and a second signal may be combined with oneanother to generate a third signal that is coupled into the user's body.In other examples, a first signal and a second signal may be mixed(e.g., such as in accordance with frequency conversion, frequencyshifting, etc.) to generate a third signal that is coupled into theuser's body.

Moreover, as described elsewhere herein, with respect to the capabilityof a DSC 28 and its ability to detect one or more additional signalsthat may be coupled into an electrode 28, such as within a touchscreendisplay with sensors 80 of a recipient computing device, such as asecond computing device 2420, any number of different respective signalsmay be coupled from the first computing device 2420 to a secondcomputing device 2424 via the user's body thereby facilitatingsimultaneous, parallel, etc. communication of information from the firstcomputing device 2420 to the second computing device 2424. Note thatother examples may operate by performing communication in a serial,sequential, etc. manner as well, and/or any combination of simultaneous,parallel, etc. communication and serial, sequential, etc. communication.

Certain of the following diagrams describe various embodiments,examples, etc. by which data may be conveyed based on signals that aregenerated by using one or more signal generators, signal generationcircuitries, etc. within the computing device, one or more imagesdisplayed on the display of the computing device, etc. In some examples,different respective display scanning frequency patterns are used toconvey data. With respect to conveying digital information, someexamples operate by designating one particular image and the associatedone or more signals generated thereby to correspond to one particularlogical value (e.g., logical 0) and another particular image and theassociated one or more signals generated thereby correspond to anotherparticular logical value (e.g., logical 1). Displaying such images onthe display of the computing device, and using the one or more signalsgenerated by the display of the computing device when displaying suchimages, may be performed to facilitate communication of digitalinformation (e.g., 0s and/or 1s). In even other examples, the displayscanning frequency pattern itself is used to convey digital informationwithin a particular image such that display of an image on the displayof the computing device itself, and using the one or more signalsgenerated by the display of the computing device when displaying such animage, may be performed to facilitate communication of digitalinformation (e.g., one or more 0s and/or one or more 1s).

FIG. 29C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2903 ofcoupling of one or more signals from a computing device via a user, oralternatively, from a user into a computing device, in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram has some similarities to FIG. 29Awith at least one difference being that the first computing device 2420in this diagram does include touchscreen functionality. For example, thefirst computing device 2420 includes a touchscreen display with sensors80 in this diagram. Note that the first computing device 2420 may be aportable device, a stationary device, etc. For example, the firstcomputing device 2420 includes capability similar to that described withreference to computing device 2424, such as with respect to FIG. 24,among others. This diagram also shows that, when a user is in contactwith, or within sufficiently close proximity to, the touchscreen of thefirst computing device 2420, as to facilitate interaction with thetouchscreen of the device (e.g., touch detection, coupling of signalsinto or out of the user's body, etc.).

With respect to the first one or more signals that are coupled throughthe user's body, note that those first one or more signals are alsocoupled through the user's body to the one or more other user locationsin which the user is interacting with the touchscreen. For example, thiscoupling may be made based on the user being in contact with orsufficiently close to the touchscreen display with sensors 80. That isto say, not only are the first one or more signals coupled into theuser's body and through the user's body such as to another computingdevice, such as a recipient computing device, but those same first oneor more signals are also coupled through the user's body back to thetouchscreen of the first computing device 2420.

Similarly, with respect to the second one or more signals that arecoupled through the user's body, note that those second one or moresignals are also coupled through the user's body to the one or moreother user locations in which the user is interacting with thetouchscreen. For example, this coupling may be made based on the userbeing in contact with or sufficiently close to the touchscreen displaywith sensors 80. That is to say, not only are the second one or moresignals coupled into the user's body and through the user's body such asto the other computing device, such as a recipient computing device, butthose same second one or more signals are also coupled through theuser's body back to the touchscreen of the first computing device 2420.

As such, in certain examples, when a user is interacting with thetouchscreen of the first computing device 2420 and has multiple touchpoints (or multiple portions of the user's body that are withinsufficiently close proximity to the touchscreen), then one or moresignals that are coupled into the user via these one or more locationsare also coupled through the user's body back to the touchscreen of thefirst computing device 2420. As such, one or more processing modules 42that is operative to service the sensors 80 of the touchscreen, such asusing one or more DSCs 28, is also operative to identify which touchesare associated with a particular user. For example, the first computingdevice 2420 will have knowledge regarding which particular signals arebeing coupled into the user's body, and consequently, the firstcomputing device 2420 will also be able to detect those same signals,having knowledge of them, as they are coupled back through the user'sbody into the touchscreen of the first computing device 2420.

Note that while this diagram shows the user having to touch points (ortwo portions of the user's body that are within sufficiently closeproximity to the touchscreen), the same principle extend to three ormore locations in which a user may be interacting with the touchscreen.For example, consider a user touching the touchscreen using threedigits, four digits, all five digits including the thumb, etc. When asignal is coupled into the user's body via one of these portions of theuser's body, that same signal will also be coupled back through theuser's body at the other locations at which the user is interacting withthe touchscreen.

In addition, based on this principle of operation including coupling ofsignals from the touchscreen into the user's body and back to thetouchscreen via another portion of the user's body facilitatesdiscrimination between different respective users that may beinteracting with the touchscreen of the first computing device 2420. Forexample, the identification of which particular touches are associatedwith a particular user may be made based on knowledge of the signalsthat are being provided via the first computing device 2420. Similarly,when more than one user is interacting with the touchscreen of the firstcomputing device, based on knowledge of the signals that are beingprovided via the first computing device 2420 into the multiple users,and knowing which particular touches are associated with a particularuser, the first computing device 2420 is been able to discriminate whichtouches are associated with which particular user. This is based onknowledge of which particular signals are being coupled into the usertouches and detection of those signals that are being coupled back intothe touchscreen.

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of various examples 3001, 3002,3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, and 3008 of images that may be displayedon a display of a computing device to generate one or more signals thatmay be implemented to facilitate coupling of those one or more signalsfrom a computing device via a user in accordance with the presentinvention. This diagram shows examples of images to generate signals toconvey data. this may be performed using any combination of one or moreparameters: size, frequency, pattern, periodicity, sub-multiple of gatescanning frequency, multiple of frame refresh rate (FRR), # of framesimage displayed [1, 2, . . . ], B&W, non-B&W/color, QR code, etc.).Generally speaking, any desired type of image, bar code, QR code, etc.may be implemented based on one or more characteristics such asblack-and-white, color, shape, type, size, content, etc. and may be usedto convey information via one or more signals that is coupled into userfrom a display of a computing device. As also described elsewhereherein, when a display such as within a computing device is operative toproduce one or more images thereon, the hardware components of thecomputing device generate various signals to effectuate the rendering ofthe one or more images on the display of the computing device. Suchhardware components of the computing device, based on their operation torender the one or more images on the display the computing device (e.g.,such as the gate lines, the data lines, the sub-pixel electrodes, etc.of the display are the signal generation circuitry that is configured togenerate the one or more signals to be coupled into the user's body).Note that different respective images generate different respectivesignals. The differentiation, uniqueness with respect to one another,difference, etc. of the different respective signals that may begenerated by different respective images may be as varied as thedifferentiation, uniqueness with respect to one another, difference,etc. of those different respective images themselves.

In certain examples, note that images that produce signals that are moreeasily detected by a computing device that includes touchscreen with adisplay with sensors 80 are chosen so as to facilitate improvedperformance of the overall system by which signals are coupled via auser's body from a first computing device to a second computing device.For example, consider a second image that is a duplicate of a firstimage with a difference of color, intensity, etc. value of only onepixel. The detection and differentiation of such a first image and asecond image made the difficult in certain implementations. However,consider a second image that is vastly different from the first imagewith respect to one or more characteristics such as black and whiteratio, color, content, etc., then detection and differentiation of sucha first image and a second image that are vastly different from oneanother may be more easily performed in certain implementations. Thisdiagram shows different respective examples of images that may be usedto generate signals using the hardware components of the computingdevice that operates to generate and render the one or more images onthe display of the computing device. It is the hardware components ofthe computing device themselves including those hardware components of adisplay (e.g., such as the gate lines, the data lines, the sub-pixelelectrodes, etc.) that serve as the signal generation circuitry that isconfigured to generate the one or more signals to be coupled into theuser's body.

Note that such examples are not exhaustive, and as can be seen withrespect to image 3008, an image may generally have any one or morecharacteristics including any one or more of shape/type,black-and-white, color, etc. and made also include any combination ofsuch one or more characteristics.

In certain examples with respect to the various images that aredescribed herein, consider the implementation of FIG. 19 that includes anumber of pixels composed of RGB sub-pixels arranged in a row and columnformat.

In addition, with respect to reference regarding horizontal andvertical, or row and column, note that with respect to matrix addresseddisplays, consider the display having at length and height. Generallyspeaking, with respect to the layout of gate lines and data lines, thegate lines are generally implemented along the longer axis. For example,consider a desktop computer or a laptop computer where the width axis ofthe display is relatively less than the height axis of the display. Insuch instances, the gate lines will typically be implemented along thelong axis, or the horizontal axis of the display, and the data lineswill typically be implemented along the shorter access, or the verticalaxis of the display.

However, with respect to certain other devices, such as portable devicesincluding smart phones, etc. may alternatively include a width axis ofthe display is relatively greater than the height axis of the display.In such instances, the gate lines will typically be implemented alongthe long axis, or the vertical axis of the display, and the data lineswill typically be implemented along the shorter access, or thehorizontal axis of the display.

Generally speaking, any reference to horizontal, vertical, etc. withrespect to any images may generally be viewed as being based on anyparticular axis of a display, whether the bottom, the left, the top, theright. The orientation of such references to horizontal, vertical, etc.may be changed based on changing the orientation of the computing devicethat includes the display. For example, with respect to one particularorientation of the display of a device, horizontal and vertical may beunderstood with respect to one particular frame of reference. However,with respect to another particular orientation of that same display ofthat same device, horizontal and vertical may be understood with respectto another particular frame of reference. The use of such references ashorizontal, vertical, etc. it is an illustration, and it is noted thathorizontal in one implementation may be vertical based on a changeorientation of the display of a device, and vice versa.

Image 3001 includes alternating black and white horizontal stripes ofuniform size and spacing. As the image 3001 is generated by the hardwarecomponents of the computing device, a square wave signal will begenerated having a frequency corresponding to the periodicity of theuniform size and spacing of the alternating black and white horizontalstripes based on the hardware components of the display generating thisimage. For example, consider that the hardware components of a displayoperate to provide a white colored pixel by driving the hardware to amaximum value (e.g., X volts, where X is the maximum voltage by whichthe hardware associated with the display may be driven) and to provide ablack colored pixel by driving the hardware to a minimum value (e.g., 0volts). Such an image may be generated by driving a certain number ofrows of pixels composed of RGB sub-pixels to generate black and whitehorizontal stripes (e.g., Y rows of adjacent the located pixels toproduce and display the color black, then the next Y rows of adjacentlylocated pixels to produce and display the color white, and so on, suchthat Y is some desired number corresponding to the number of rows ofpixels to provide the desired thickness of the black and whitehorizontal stripes).

Image 3002 is similar to the image 3001 with the difference being thatimage 3002 includes alternating black and white vertical stripes ofuniform size and spacing. Alternatively, note that such alternatingblack and white stripes may alternatively be implemented in an angledimplementation, such as extending from top left to lower right or topbottom left to upper right, according to any desired angle ortrajectory.

Image 3003 includes alternating black and white horizontal stripes ofdifferent sizes, yet having uniform spacing between them. For example,consider that the black stripes have a certain size (e.g., size 1), andthe White stripes have a different size (e.g., size 2). Thecorresponding signal that would be generated by such an image 3003 wouldbe a modified square wave signal having unequal or asymmetricalmaximum/minimum portions. For example, such a modified square wavesignal would have a maximum value for relatively longer duration and theminimum value (e.g., the duration during which the modified square wavesignal would be at the maximum value, e.g., X volts, to provide whitecolored pixels would be of relatively longer duration than the durationduring which the modified square wave signal would be at the minimumvalue, e.g., 0 volts, to provide black colored pixels).

Note that a complementary type image corresponding to image 3003 mayalternatively be implemented by replacing the white stripes with blackstripes and the black stripes of white stripes to effectuate anothermodified square wave signal having unequal or asymmetricalmaximum/minimum portions. For example, such a modified square wavesignal would have a maximum value for relatively shorter duration andthe minimum value (e.g., the duration during which the modified squarewave signal would be at the maximum value, e.g., X volts, to providewhite colored pixels would be of relatively shorted duration than theduration during which the modified square wave signal would be at theminimum value, e.g., 0 volts, to provide black colored pixels).

Image 3004 also includes alternating black and white horizontal stripesof not only different sizes, but also of non-uniform spacing betweenthem. Generally speaking, the use of black and white horizontal stripesof any desired size, spacing, etc., may be used to generate modifiedsquare wave signals having any desired properties.

Moreover, it is noted that while certain of the examples describedherein show alternating black and white stripes of various size,spacing, thickness, etc., note that any shade of grey or gray scale mayalso be used in accordance with generating such images. For example,consider image 3001 has generating a square wave signal having certainproperties. In an alternative implementation, consider that a sinusoidalsignal having certain properties is desired. In such an instance,instead of effectuating a rapid transition, such as a step function,when changing color from black to white, a gradual transition of whiteinto grayscale then into black and out of black back into grayscale andinto white may be used instead to facilitate a smoother transition andto effectuate a sinusoidal signal. Generally speaking, variation of theuse of white, black, gray, maybe used to generate any number ofdifferent types of signals including a sinusoidal signal, a square wavesignal, a triangular wave signal, a multiple level signal (e.g., hasvarying magnitude over time with respect to the DC component), and/or apolygonal signal (e.g., has a symmetrical or asymmetrical polygonalshape with respect to the DC component), etc.

In addition, note that such transition of color using white, black, andgray including various shades of gray scale, may be used to generatesignals having any other desired properties and any other desired shapeincluding sinusoid, sawtooth wave, triangular wave, square wave signal,etc. among the various desired waveform shapes.

Image 3005 includes alternating black and white horizontal half-stripesof uniform size and spacing. As can be seen in the diagram, the patternis composed of alternating black and white horizontal half-stripes withwhite stripes. At the top of image 3005 is a white stripe extendingacross the entirety of the image 3005 from left to right. Moving downthe image 3005 is a black and white horizontal half-stripes composed ofblack on the left-hand side and white on the right hand side. Movingdown the image 3005 is another white stripe extending across theentirety of the image 3005 from left to right. Moving down the image3005 is a black and white horizontal half-stripes composed of white onthe left-hand side and black on the right hand side. The pattern repeatsitself within the image 3005.

Image 3006 includes alternating black and white horizontalpartial-stripes of uniform size and spacing. As can be seen in thediagram, the pattern is composed of alternating black and whitehorizontal partial-stripes with white stripes. At the top of image 3006is a white stripe extending across the entirety of the image 3006 fromleft to right. Moving down the image 3006 is a black and whitehorizontal partial-stripe composed of black on a portion of theleft-hand side and white on a portion of the right hand side, with thewhite portion being relatively larger than the black portion.

Moving down the image 3006 is another white stripe extending across theentirety of the image 3006 from left to right. Moving down the image3006 is a black and white horizontal partial-stripe composed of white ona portion of the left-hand side and black on a portion of the right handside, with the white portion being relatively smaller than the blackportion.

Moving down the image 3006 is another white stripe extending across theentirety of the image 3006 from left to right. Moving down the image3006 is yet another a black and white horizontal partial-stripe composedof black on a portion of the left-hand side and white on a portion ofthe right hand side, with the white portion being relatively smallerthan the black portion.

Moving down the image 3006 is another white stripe extending across theentirety of the image 3006 from left to right. Moving down the image3005 is a black and white horizontal half-stripes composed of white onthe left-hand side and black on the right hand side.

Moving down the image 3006 is another white stripe extending across theentirety of the image 3006 from left to right. Moving down the image3006 is a black and white horizontal partial-stripe composed of black ona portion of the left-hand side and white on a portion of the right handside, with the white portion being relatively larger than the blackportion, but of a different ratio then other black and white horizontalpartial-stripes within the image 3006.

Image 3007 includes any desired combination of one or more differentshapes at any desired location within the image 3007. For example, image3007 includes various black rectangles of various sizes, dimensions,lengths, widths, etc. located at different locations within the image3007 including some that are horizontally arranged, vertically arranged,or arranged along an angular trajectory within the image 3007. Image3007 also includes a black triangle. The remainder of the image 3007 iswhite. Generally speaking, any desired combination of black, white,grayscale, etc. may be implemented within an image including renderingof any one or more desired shapes, etc.

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the use of oneor more images displayed on a display of a computing device to generateone or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or more signalsfrom the computing device via a user to another computing device toconvey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention.

This diagram shows two respective images 3121 and 3122 as each beingcomposed of alternating black and white stripes. This diagram showsexamples of examples of 2 images used to convey digital data (usingdifferent images to convey 0s and 1s, e.g., 1 image per frame, 1 imageper n frames, etc.). Image 3121 includes alternating black and whitestripes of a first uniform size and spacing, and image 3122 includesalternating black and white stripes of a second uniform size andspacing. The graph 3101 shows the corresponding signal 1 that isgenerated by image 3121 that is a square wave signal having a firstfrequency, f1, corresponding to the size and spacing of the alternatingblack and white stripes of image 3121. The graph 3102 shows thecorresponding signal 2 that is generated by image 3122 that is a squarewave signal having a second frequency, f2, corresponding to the size andspacing of the alternating black and white stripes of image 3122. Incertain embodiments, the image 3121 and corresponding signal aredesignated to correspond to a first logical value, such as logical zero(0), and the image 3122 and corresponding signal are designatedcorrespond to a second logical value, such as logical one (1). Note thatthe alternative may be used if desired (e.g., switching the assignmentof logical zero (0) and logical one (1) with respect to the images).

By alternating a portion (or the entirety) of a display between image3121 and image 3122, information may be conveyed from a first computingdevice to a second computing device such as via a user such as inaccordance with digital communication by transmitting logical 0 andlogical 1 in any desired pattern. For example, consider the framerefresh rate (FRR) of the display being of a particular duration (e.g.,for a display that includes 1080 rows and has a FRR of 60 Hz, then theentirety of the display is refreshed or updated 60 times per second),then the image that is displayed on the display may be refreshed 60times per second thereby providing 60 bits of information every second.

On the right-hand side of the diagram are various examples of operation.For example, the graph 3103 shows an implementation that is used toconvey digital data 0001. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3121 during three consecutive refreshesthe display followed by image 3122 during the fourth refresh of thedisplay, then the digital data 0001 may be transmitted from a firstcomputing device to a second computing device such as via a user.

For another example, the graph 3104 shows an implementation that is usedto convey digital data 0101. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3121 during a first refresh of thedisplay, followed by image 3122 during a second refresh the display,followed by image 3121 during a third refresh of the display, andfollowed by image 3122 during a fourth refresh of the display, then thedigital data 0101 may be transmitted from a first computing device to asecond computing device such as via a user.

For another example, the graph 3105 shows an implementation that is usedto convey digital data 1010. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3122 during a first refresh of thedisplay, followed by image 3121 during a second refresh the display,followed by image 3122 during a third refresh of the display, andfollowed by image 3121 during a fourth refresh of the display, then thedigital data 1010 may be transmitted from a first computing device to asecond computing device such as via a user.

Generally speaking, if any desired sequence of alternating betweenimages 3121 and 3122 may be used to convey information, such as inaccordance with digital communication by transmitting logical 0 andlogical 1 in any desired pattern, from a first computing device to asecond computing device such as via a user.

In the alternative implementations, note that the period during which animage displayed may be more than corresponding to the FRR. For example,an image may be displayed on the display for any desired multiple ofrefreshes of the display (e.g., maintain an image to be displayed on thedisplay during N refreshes of the display, where N is some positiveinteger greater than or equal to 2). For example, there may be certaininstances when maintaining an image to be displayed on the display for aperiod of time corresponding to longer than the FRR is desirable (e.g.,such as to improve the efficacy, performance, etc. of communication froma first computing device to a second computing device such as via auser).

In an example of operation and implementation, consider the graph 3103shows an implementation that is used to convey digital data 0001.Consider 12 refreshes of the display, and consider displaying the image3121 during 9 consecutive refreshes the display followed by image 3122during the subsequent 3 refresh of the display, then the digital data0001 may be transmitted from a first computing device to a secondcomputing device such as via a user. Alternatively, consider 24refreshes of the display, and consider displaying the image 3121 during18 consecutive refreshes the display followed by image 3122 during thesubsequent 6 refreshes of the display, then the digital data 0001 may betransmitted from a first computing device to a second computing devicesuch as via a user. Generally speaking, the period during which a givenimage is maintained to be displayed on the display may include onerefresh of the display or generally any number of refreshes (e.g., n,some positive integer greater than or equal to 2) of the display.

Also, in certain implementations, the number of refreshes may benonuniform from bit to bit. For example, so long as the first computingdevice and the second computing device are in agreement andunderstanding with respect to the desired operation, a first bit may becommunicated during A number of refreshes of the display, a second thatmay be communicated during B refreshes of the display, and so on, suchthat A and B are positive integers, and so long of the first computingdevice and the second computing device or in agreement and understandingwith respect to the particular mode of operation. Generally speaking,any desired communication protocol may be performed between the firstcomputing device in the second computing device so long as the firstlesson the second computing device are in agreement with respect to oneanother.

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention.

This diagram has some similarity to the previous diagram with at leastone difference being that different respective images 3221 and 3222 areused to facilitate and communicate values of logical 0 and logical 1.This diagram shows examples of 2 images used to convey digital data(using different images to convey 0s and 1s, e.g., 1 image per frame, 1image per n frames, etc.).

This diagram shows two respective images 3221 and 3222 as each beingcomposed of alternating black and white stripes. Image 3221 includesalternating black and white stripes of different sizes yet havinguniform spacing, and image 3222 includes alternating black and whitestripes of different sizes such that the respective black stripes or notof uniform size and the respective white stripes are not of uniform sizeand also having non-uniform spacing. The graph 3201 shows thecorresponding signal 1 that is generated by image 3221 that is amodified non-uniform square wave signal having a first frequency, f1,corresponding to the size and spacing of the black and white stripes ofimage 3221. The graph 3202 shows the corresponding signal 2 that isgenerated by image 3222 that is a modified non-uniform square wavesignal having a second frequency, f2, corresponding to the size andspacing of the black and white stripes of image 3222. In certainembodiments, the image 3221 and corresponding signal are designated tocorrespond to a first logical value, such as logical zero (0), and theimage 3222 and corresponding signal are designated correspond to asecond logical value, such as logical one (1). Note that the alternativemay be used if desired (e.g., switching the assignment of logical zero(0) and logical one (1) with respect to the images).

On the right-hand side of the diagram are various examples of operation.For example, the graph 3203 shows an implementation that is used toconvey digital data 0001. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3221 during three consecutive refreshesthe display followed by image 3222 during the fourth refresh of thedisplay, then the digital data 0001 may be transmitted from a firstcomputing device to a second computing device such as via a user.

For another example, the graph 3204 shows an implementation that is usedto convey digital data 0101. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3221 during a first refresh of thedisplay, followed by image 3222 during a second refresh the display,followed by image 3221 during a third refresh of the display, andfollowed by image 3222 during a fourth refresh of the display, then thedigital data 0101 may be transmitted from a first computing device to asecond computing device such as via a user.

For another example, the graph 3205 shows an implementation that is usedto convey digital data 1010. Consider 4 refreshes of the display, andconsider displaying the image 3222 during a first refresh of thedisplay, followed by image 3221 during a second refresh the display,followed by image 3222 during a third refresh of the display, andfollowed by image 3221 during a fourth refresh of the display, then thedigital data 1010 may be transmitted from a first computing device to asecond computing device such as via a user.

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention. Thisdiagram shows different images themselves convey digital data (B&Wvariation to convey 0s and 1s within image, employ any desired imagepattern to convey any desired digital information). This diagram showsthe use of black and white stripes but operative in a different way toconvey information. Images 3321, 3322, and 3323 are operative to useblack and white (B&W) to convey 0s and 1s (e.g., B=logical 0, W=logical1). For example, the image is partitioned into a number of stripeshaving a particular width. For example, image 3321 is shown as including12 horizontal stripes alternating from white to black to white to black,etc. Generally speaking, an image may be divided into any desired numberof stripes, whether horizontal or vertical, such as n stripes where n isa positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The example of n=1 wouldcorrespond to the entire image being either black or white and having acommon value throughout.

The information conveyed per stripe is a function of the value of thestripe. In an example of operation and implementation, black coloredstripes are starting to have a first logical value, and white coloredstripes are assigned to have a second logical value (e.g., black=logicalzero (0) and white=logical one (1), or vice versa). The signal isgenerated based on the particular pattern that is rendered within theimage corresponds to the data that is to be transmitted by that image.For example, consider image 3321 as alternating between white and black,then the corresponding signal that would be generated by the hardwarecomponents of the display (e.g., such that the hardware components ofthe display serve as signal generation circuitry) is shown by graph 3301a being a square wave signal having a frequency corresponding to thealternating pattern of the image 3321. As the image 3321 is displayed bya display of the computing device, the corresponding signal generated bythe image 3321 coupled into and through a user to another computingdevice. The digital information that is conveyed based on coupling ofthis signal through the user to the other computing device correspondingto the alternating values of black and white within the image 3321. Forexample, as the other computing device detects the signal being coupledinto it via the user from the computing device having the display thatdisplays image 3321, a high-value of the signal is interpreted to be afirst logical value, and a low-value of the signal is interpreted to bea second logical value. For example, within the recipient computingdevice, detection of a low-value of the signal, such as generated inaccordance with a particular stripe displaying the color black, would beinterpreted as a logical zero (0). Similarly, within the recipientcomputing device, detection of a high-value of the signal, such asgenerated in accordance with a particular stripe displaying the colorwhite, would be interpreted as a logical one (1). In such animplementation, more than one bits of information may be transmitted perimage. For example, graph 3301 b shows the conveyance of digital data, abite, a digital word, etc. including a 12 bits having value101010101010.

Based on agreement and understanding between the first computing devicethat includes the display that is displaying the image and therebygenerating the signal is coupled via the user to the second computingdevice regarding the assignment of black and white to respective logicalvalues, and also based on agreement of the width of the stripes beingused, which will correspondingly govern the amount of time that thesignal will be at high and/or low values (e.g., control the value of thesignal as a function of time as the images being displayed), digitalinformation may be conveyed between the first computing device and thesecond computing device. As can be seen with respect to the graph 3301b, as the image 3321 is displayed by a display of the first computingdevice, a signal corresponding to graph 3301 a is generated by thehardware of the display of the first computing device in coupled via theuser to the second computing device such that the second computingdevice detects, processes, and interprets the signal to recover the 12bits having value 101010101010.

Based on agreement between the first computing device and the secondcomputing device regarding the manner by which information is to beconveyed between the first computing device in the second computingdevice in this matter, any desired number of black and white stripedcombinations may be used to convey information between the firstcomputing device and the second computing device. In addition, note thatan image may be displayed for one or more frame refreshes. For example,there may be instances in which each respective image refreshcorresponds to the conveyance of a certain number of digital data bits,a byte, a digital word, etc. For example, consider the example in whichthe image is partitioned into 12 respective stripes, then eachrespective image may be used to transmit 12 bits. Note that there may beinstances in which the image is maintained on the display for more thana single frame (e.g., generally speaking, n frames, where n is apositive integer greater than or equal to 2) so as to facilitateimproved communication and ease of detection and reception by a secondcomputing device that is implemented to detect a signal generated by theimage and coupled through a user to the second computing device.

Also, note that the number of respective stripes of the image may be anydesired number based on the hardware implementation (e.g., based on thenumber of horizontal pixel lines of the display used to display theimage). For example, consider a display having 720 horizontal lines,such as an HD display, and consider that the image is being displayedusing less than all of those horizontal lines, such as 60 lines, theneach respective stripe of the image in one implementation may includeone or more of those horizontal lines. For example, an image beingdisplayed using 60 lines is implemented based on 60 respective stripes,one horizontal pixel line for each stripe. In another example, an imagebeing displayed using 60 lines is implemented based on 30 respectivestripes each being composed of two horizontal adjacently located pixellines. In yet another example, an image being displayed use and 60 linesis implemented based on four respective stripes each being composed of15 horizontal adjacently located pixel lines. In even otherimplementations, nonuniform partitioning of the horizontal lines isperformed. Considered example in which an image being displayed on 60lines is implemented based on stipes of different values such as a firststripe composed of 10 horizontal adjacently located pixel lines, asecond stripe composed of 20 horizontal adjacently located pixel lines,a third stripe composed of 15 horizontal adjacently located pixel lines,and so on. Generally speaking, an image being displayed on X lines maybe partitioned into any desired number of stripes of any desired sizeincluding uniform or nonuniform sized stripes.

Based on any desired agreement, handshake, negotiation, etc. between thefirst computing device on the second computing device, the firstcomputing device and/or the second computing device operate to assignthe manner in which an image is to be generated and encoded andsubsequently decoded and interpreted.

Considering some other examples of implementation and operation,consider image 3322 that includes black and white stripes and thatgenerates the signal represented by graph 3302 a as being a modifiedsquare wave signal or a signal that varies between a high-value and alow value based on the color of the stripes being displayed. Forexample, graph 3302 b shows the conveyance of digital information havinga value of 101000111000 based on the signal shown in the graph 3302 athat is generated based on the hardware of the display displaying theimage 3322. Considering another example, graph 3302 c shows theconveyance of digital information having a value of 111000111000 basedon the signal shown in the graph 3303 a that is generated based on thehardware of the display displaying the image 3323.

In general, any desired combination of 1s and/or 0s may be conveyed fromthe first computing device via a user to the second computing devicebased on display of an image in accordance with these principles. Withrespect to data transmission rates, consider an example in which 12 bitsare conveyed during each frame refresh of the display, and consider arefresh rate of 60 Hz, then a data rate of 60 Hz×12 bits=720 bits persecond may be achieved. Consider another example in which 12 bits areconveyed within an image yet the image is displayed on the display for 2frame refreshes, such that an effective refresh rate of 30 Hz isachieved, then a data rate of 30 Hz×12 bits=360 bits per second may beachieved. Similarly, consider another example in which 12 bits areconveyed within an image yet the image is displayed on the display for 3frame refreshes, such that an effective refresh rate of 20 Hz isachieved, then a data rate of 20 Hz×12 bits=240 bits per second may beachieved. Generally speaking, based on the number of bits, B, beingconveyed per image, the frame refresh rate (FRR), and the number offrames, n, during which the image is displayed, and effective data ratemay be calculated (e.g., FRR/(n)×B=data rate).

FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention. Thisdiagram shows different respective square wave signals being generatedthat are based on the frame refresh rate (FRR) of the display. Considerimage 3401A as corresponding to the number of horizontal pixel lines ofthe display. For example, consider the different respective types ofdisplay described above that may include a number of horizontal pixelroads including 720 lines, 1080 lines, 1440 lines, etc., and based on acorresponding FRR such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, etc., then the correspondingmaximum frequency of the signal, such as a clock signal or a square wavesignal, that may be generated is based on the gate scanning frequency ofthe display.

For example, consider a full HD display having 1080 lines and a FRR of60 Hz, then such a full HD display has a gate scanning frequency,f_(gc), of 1080×60 equals 64,800 Hz or 64.8 kHz. This is a frequency ofthe signal is generated in accordance with operation of the full HDdisplay such that every row of the display, all 1080 lines, are updated60 times per second in accordance with refresh and operation of thedisplay. This gate scanning frequency, f_(gc), signal is one such signalthat may be generated by the computing device that includes the display.

Image 3421 includes alternating black and white stripes of one pixel rowthickness each (e.g., first row of white pixels, second row of blackpixels, third row of white pixels, and so on). The frequency of thesignal that may be generated by such an image 3421 is shown by graph3421 a, alternating back and forth between maximum and minimum valuesassociated with white pixels and black pixels rows of this size,respectively.

Consider such an image 3421 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))/2=64,800/2=32,400 Hz or 32.4 kHz such that the signalalternates between high and low values every other horizontal row. Ingeneral, any additional signals being of any sub-multiple of thisfrequency may be generated appropriately using corresponding images ofthe display. For example, the use of the gate scanning frequency,f_(gc), of the computing device is one such signal that is available foruse to convey information including two couple into user. However, notethat generally any frequency that is any sub-multiple of the gatescanning frequency, f_(gc), of a computing device may also be generatedas follows:

f=X×FRR/n=f _(gc) /n, where

X=# of rows of the display

FRR=frame refresh rate

n=any positive integer such as 1, 2, 3, etc.

f_(gc)=gate scanning frequency

Also, note that alternative implementations may be used to generate anyother sub-multiple of the gate scanning frequency, f_(gc), of thecomputing device as follows:

f=(X×FRR)×m=f _(gc) ×m, where

X=(# of rows of the display

FRR=frame refresh rate

m=modified, asymmetric, non-uniform ⅓ based on ⅔ pattern, modified,asymmetric, non-uniform ¼ based on ¼ or ¾ pattern, modified, asymmetric,non-uniform ⅕ based on ⅖ or ⅘ pattern, etc.

f_(gc)=gate scanning frequency

Image 3421 includes alternating B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size andspacing (every other row of pixels, square wave with frequencyf=(f_(gs)/2), based on gate scanning rate (f_(gs))=# of rows of display(X)×frame refresh rate (FRR).

Image 3422 includes alternating black and white stripes of 2 pixel rowsthickness each (e.g., first 2 row of white pixels, second 2 row of blackpixels, third 2 row of white pixels, and so on). The frequency of thesignal that may be generated by such an image 3422 is shown by graph3422 a, alternating back and forth between maximum and minimum valuesassociated with white pixels and black pixels rows of this size,respectively, and having one-half the frequency of the signal shown inthe graph 3421 a, i.e., being f_(gc)/4.

Consider such an image 3422 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))/4=64,800/4=16,200 Hz or 16.2 kHz such that the signalalternates between high and low values every 2 horizontal rows.

Image 3422 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size and spacing(square wave with f=f_(gs)/4).

Image 3423 includes alternating black and white stripes of 3 pixel rowsthickness each (e.g., first 3 rows of white pixels, second 3 row2 ofblack pixels, third 3 row2 of white pixels, and so on). The frequency ofthe signal that may be generated by such an image 3423 is shown by graph3423 a, alternating back and forth between maximum and minimum valuesassociated with white pixels and black pixels rows of this size,respectively, and having one-third the frequency of the signal shown inthe graph 3421 a, i.e., being f_(gc)/6.

Consider such an image 3423 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))/6=64,800/6=10,800 Hz or 10.8 kHz such that the signalalternates between high and low values every 3 horizontal rows.

Image 3423 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size and spacing(square wave with f=f_(gs)/6). Generally, this may be performed produceany frequency that is any sub-multiple of f_(gs) e.g., f=(X×FRR)/n, n=1,2, 3, etc. or alternative sub-multiples of different shapes, e.g.,f=(X×FRR)*m, m=any desired fraction.

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention. Thisdiagram shows additional options by which different respective signalsmay be generated.

For reference, image 3421 and graph 3421 a are also shown forcomparison.

Image 3522 includes alternating black and white stripes of 1 pixel rowand 2 pixel rows thickness each (e.g., 1 row of white pixels, then 2rows of black pixels, then 1 row of white pixels, then 2 rows of blackpixels, and so on). The frequency of the signal that may be generated bysuch an image 3522 is shown by graph 3522 a, alternating back and forthbetween maximum and minimum values associated with 1 white pixel and 2black pixel rows, respectively, is f_(gc)×(½)×(⅔). Also, note that thedurations at which the signal is at the maximum and minimum values arenot equal. This may be viewed as a modified square wave signal that isnot fully symmetric and uniform with respect to the maximum and minimumvalues durations.

Consider such an image 3522 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))×(½)×(⅔)=64,800×(½)×(⅔)=21,600 Hz or 21.6 kHz such that thesignal alternates between high and low values associated with whitepixels and black pixels rows of this size, respectively.

Image 3522 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size, 1 W, 2 B . . .(modified square wave, max/min of different durations, withf=((f_(gs)/2)×(⅔)).

Image 3523 includes alternating black and white stripes of 3 pixel rowsand 2 pixel rows thickness each (e.g., 3 rows of white pixels, then 2rows of black pixels, then 3 rows of white pixels, then 2 rows of blackpixels, and so on). The frequency of the signal that may be generated bysuch an image 3523 is shown by graph 3523 a, alternating back and forthbetween maximum and minimum values associated with 2 white pixels and 3black pixel rows, respectively is f_(gc)×(½)×(⅖). Also, note that thedurations at which the signal is at the maximum and minimum values arenot equal. This may be viewed as a modified square wave signal that isnot fully symmetric and uniform with respect to the maximum and minimumvalues durations within a given period or cycle. As can be seen, thesignal has a periodicity of 5 pixel rows and is a modified, asymmetric,non-uniform square wave signal.

Consider such an image 3523 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))×(½)×(⅖)=64,800×(½)×(⅖)=12,960 Hz or 12.96 kHz such thatthe signal alternates between high and low values associated with whitepixels and black pixels rows of this size, respectively.

Image 3523 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size, 3 W, 2 B . . .(modified square wave, max/min of different durations, withf=((f_(gs)/2)×(⅖)).

FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the use ofone or more images displayed on a display of a computing device togenerate one or more signals to facilitate coupling of those one or moresignals from the computing device via a user to another computing deviceto convey information from the computing device to the other computingdevice, or vice versa, in accordance with the present invention.

For reference, image 3421 and graph 3421 a are also shown forcomparison.

Image 3622 includes alternating black and white stripes of 1 pixel rowand 2 pixel rows thickness each (e.g., 2 rows of white pixels, then 1row of black pixels, then 2 rows of white pixels, then 1 row of blackpixels, and so on). Image 3622 may be viewed as being an inverse ofimage 3522 thereby generating a signal that is similar to the signalgenerated by image 3622 but with at least one of inversed polarity,phase shift, etc. The frequency of the signal that may be generated bysuch an image 3622 is shown by graph 3622 a, alternating back and forthbetween maximum and minimum values associated with 2 white pixels and 1black pixel rows, respectively is f_(gc)×(½)×(⅔). Also, note that thedurations at which the signal is at the maximum and minimum values arenot equal. This may be viewed as a modified square wave signal that isnot fully symmetric and uniform with respect to the maximum and minimumvalues durations.

Consider such an image 3622 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))×(½)×(⅔)=64,800×(½)×(⅔)=21,600 Hz or 21.6 kHz such that thesignal alternates between high and low values associated with whitepixels and black pixels rows of this size, respectively.

Image 3622 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size, 2 W, 1 B . . .(modified square wave, max/min of different durations, withf=((f_(gs)/2)×(⅔)).

Image 3623 includes alternating black and white stripes of 3 pixel rowsand 2 pixel rows thickness each (e.g., 3 rows of white pixels, then 2rows of black pixels, then 3 rows of white pixels, then 2 rows of blackpixels, and so on). Image 3623 may be viewed as being an inverse ofimage 3523 thereby generating a signal that is similar to the signalgenerated by image 3622 but with at least one of inversed polarity,phase shift, etc. The frequency of the signal that may be generated bysuch an image 3623 is shown by graph 3623 a, alternating back and forthbetween maximum and minimum values associated with 2 white pixels and 3black pixel rows, respectively is f_(gc)×(½)×(⅖). Also, note that thedurations at which the signal is at the maximum and minimum values arenot equal. This may be viewed as a modified square wave signal that isnot fully symmetric and uniform with respect to the maximum and minimumvalues durations within a given period or cycle. As can be seen, thesignal has a periodicity of 5 pixel rows and is a modified, asymmetric,non-uniform square wave signal.

Consider such an image 3623 that is displayed on such a full HD display.The frequency of such a signal would be f=(# of rows of the display(X)×FRR (60))×(½)×(⅖)=64,800×(½)×(⅖)=12,960 Hz or 12.96 kHz such thatthe signal alternates between high and low values associated with whitepixels and black pixels rows of this size, respectively.

Image 3622 includes B&W horizontal stripes, uniform size, 2 W, 3 B . . .(modified square wave, max/min of different durations, withf=((f_(gs)/2)×(⅖)).

FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 3700 of activematrix—gate line scanning such as may be performed within a computingdevice that includes a display in accordance with the present invention.This diagram shows the operation and activation of the respective gatelines of the display (e.g., such as may be associated with therelatively longer axis of the display) as a function of time beginningwith the respective data lines of the device. For example, this may beviewed as beginning with a gate 1 (e.g., a top row of the display havinga horizontal axis that is relatively larger than the vertical axis), agate 2 (e.g., the second row from the top of the display having ahorizontal axis that is relatively larger than the vertical axis), gate3, and so on. Operation of this diagram may be understood also withrespect to FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, among others that show and describeoperation of the respective gate lines and data lines to facilitateoperation of the RGB sub-pixels of a display. For example, consider theoperation of the respective gate lines and RGB data lines shown in FIG.19 of the display. In accordance with displaying one video frame, therespective gate lines are successively operated one after another inaccordance with gate line scanning in this diagram. The overall scanfrequency of the display is a function of the number of rows of thedisplay (e.g., of the display having a horizontal axis that isrelatively larger than the vertical axis) multiplied by the framerefresh rate (FRR). For example, consider a display having 1028 rowswith an FRR of 60 Hz, then the scan frequency of the display is 61,680Hz (f=# rows X×FRR=1028×60).

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 3800 of activematrix—data line scanning such as may be performed within a computingdevice that includes a display in accordance with the present invention.This diagram shows the operation shows the operation and activation ofthe respective data lines of the display. For example, the data linesmay correspond to the respective columns of the display based on adisplay having a horizontal axis that is relatively larger than thevertical axis. In such an example, consider the display as includingcolumn 1, column 2, and so on that correspond to the respective datalines data 1, data 2, and so on. Operation of this diagram may also beunderstood also with respect to FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, among others thatshow and describe operation of the respective gate lines and data linesto facilitate operation of the RGB sub-pixels of a display. For example,consider the operation of the respective gate lines and RGB data linesshown in FIG. 19 of the display.

This diagram shows operation of a display displaying alternating B&Wrows (e.g., rows corresponding to gate lines) on display/touchscreenyields a f that is function of FRR/2 (FRR=frame refresh rate). Differentpatterns may be created for different subsets of FRR (e.g., FRR/2,FRR/3, . . . FRR/n, etc.).

Operation in accordance with this diagram corresponds to displayingalternating black and white rose on the display thereby generating asignal having a frequency that is a function of the frame refresh rate(FRR). For example, the signal would have a frequency as follows:

f=(# of rows of the display (X)×FRR)/2

For example, a display having 1920 columns and 1028 rows with an FRR of60 Hz may be operated in accordance with this diagram to generate asignal having a frequency as follows:

f=(1028 rows×60 Hz)/2=61,680/2=30,840 Hz or 30.84 kHz

Note that different respective patterns may be used to create differentsubsets of the video refresh rate as also described above.

Also, note that in different manners of operating a display may alsoaffect the image and/or signal that is generated and that may be coupledinto a user's body. For example, certain displays operate in certainways as to mitigate the effects of accumulated charge of the dielectricof the display. One particular mode of operation includes swappingpolarity of the signals that are used to drive the display according tosome particular schedule. Some displays operate by swapping the polarityevery other frame such as operating by using a positive voltage signalin one frame, then the negative voltage signal on the next frame, thenusing the positive voltage signal on the next frame, and so on (e.g., +5V on one frame, −5 V on the next frame, and +5 V on the next frame, soon).

Certain other displays operate by inverting the polarity of the signalsprovided to operate the display on every column of the display such asoperating by using a positive voltage signal in one column, then thenegative voltage signal on the next column, then using the positivevoltage signal on the next column, and so on. Note that a given image,when displayed on different types of displays operating in accordancewith different modes of operation such as these, may provide differentrespective signals based on those different modes of operation of thosedisplays. As such, a particular image, when displayed on differentdisplays that operate in accordance with different modes of operation,may produce different signals in some instances. As such, depending onthe display and its mode of operation, a given image may generatedifferent respective signals that may be coupled into users body.

FIG. 39A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method 3901for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention. The method 3901 operates in step 3910 by generating asignal using a computing device that includes information correspondingto a user and/or and application (e.g., an application operative withinthe computing device).

In some alternative variants of the method 3901, the method 3901 alsooperates in step 3912 by generating the signal using signal generationcircuitry, processing module(s), etc. of the computing device. Forexample, a signal generator, one or more processing modules, anoscillator, a mixer, etc. and/or any other circuitry operative togenerate a signal may be used within the computing device.

In other alternative variants of the method 3901, the method 3901operates in step 3914 by generating the signal using hardware componentsof a display and/or a touchscreen display (e.g., pixel electrodes, linessuch as gate lines, data lines, etc.). For example, the actual hardwarecomponents of a display and/or a touchscreen display of the computingdevice serve as the mechanism to generate the signal. In such anexample, the hardware components of the display and/or the touchscreendisplay may be viewed as being signal generation circuitry that operatesto generate the signal itself.

The method 3901 also operates in step 3920 by coupling the signal into auser from one or more locations on the computing device. For example,the signal is coupled into the body of the user based on the user beingin contact with or within sufficient proximity to a location on thecomputing device that is generating the signal. This signal is coupledinto the body of the user and may then be coupled into another computingdevice. For example, in some alternative variants of the method 3901,the method 3901 also operates in step 3939 by transmitting the signalvia the user to another computing device that is operative to detect andreceive the signal. In certain examples, this other computing device mayinclude a device with a touchscreen and/or touchscreen display. Also,the sensors, electrodes, etc. of the touchscreen and/or touchscreendisplay may be operative in conjunction with one or more DSCs asdescribed herein.

FIG. 39B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method3902 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. The method 3902 operates in step 3911 byreceiving, via a user, a signal using a computing device (e.g., a signalthat is generated by another computing device and coupled into andthrough the body of the user to the computing device, the signalincluding information corresponding to the user and/or and applicationsuch as an application operative within the computing device).

In some alternative variants of the method 3902, the method 3902 alsooperates in step 3913 by detecting the signal using a touchscreen and/ortouchscreen display with electrodes, sensors, etc.

The method 3902 operates in step 3921 by processing the signal (e.g.,the modulating, decoding, interpreting, etc.) to recover the informationcorresponding to the user and/or and application. In some alternativevariants of the method 3902, the method 3902 also operates in step 3912by operating on the information corresponding to the user and/or theapplication in accordance with (e.g., effectuating a purchase and/orfinancial transaction, receiving and storing such information, etc.).Generally speaking, depending on the type of information being conveyedto the computing device from the other computing device, the computingdevice operates to use the information that has been recovered inaccordance with one or more functions. The types of functions may be ofany of the variety of types. Examples of such types of functions mayinclude any one or more of ordering of one or more particular food itemsfrom a menu that is displayed on a display and/or a touchscreen displayof the computing device, selecting one or more items for purchase thatare displayed on the display and/or the touchscreen display of thecomputing device, exchanging business card information, providing ashipping address for one or more items that have been purchased,completing a financial transaction such as payment of money, transfer offunds, etc.

FIG. 40 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4000 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. The method 4000 operates in step 4010 byselecting one or more encoding schemes to be used to encode informationinto a signal to be generated by a display and/or a touchscreen displayof a computing device. Such selection of one or more encoding schemesmay be based on any of the embodiments, examples, etc. described herein.For example, consider the various means by which information may beencoded into one or more signals based on various manners in which adisplay and/or a touchscreen display may be operated such as withrespect to FIGS. 30-38, among others.

In some alternative variants of the method 4000, the method 4000 alsooperates in step 4012 by selecting the one or more encoding schemes froma number of encoding schemes that operate using respective frequencypatterns frequency pattern to convey data. In some examples, this mayinvolve alternating between different respective images to generatedifferent respective, such as every frame, or every certain number offrames, in accordance with conveying digital information such that therespective images correspond to different digital values (e.g., a firstimage corresponding to a logical value of 0, a second imagecorresponding to a logical value of 1). Alternatively, this may involveoperating the display and/or the touchscreen display in accordance withgenerating one or more signals that include multiple digital valuestherein such that different respective images generate differentrespective signals corresponding to different digital data/bytes/words,etc.

In some other alternative variants of the method 4000, the method 4000also operates in step 4014 by facilitating agreement between thecomputing device and another computing device (e.g., a recipientcomputing device) regarding the selected one or more encoding schemes.For example, in accordance with selecting the appropriate one or moreencoding schemes, another computing device, such as a recipientcomputing device, and the computing device both need to know whichparticular one or more encoding schemes are being used to facilitateeffective communication between the computing device and the othercomputing device.

The method 4000 also operates in step 4020 by operating the displayand/or touchscreen display to generate one or more signals based on theone or more selected encoding schemes that includes informationcorresponding to a user and/or an application (e.g., an applicationoperative within the computing device).

The method 4000 operates in step 4030 by coupling the signal into a userfrom one or more locations on the display and/or touchscreen display ofthe computing device. In some alternative variants of the method 4000,the method 4000 also operates in step 4032 by transmitting the signalvia the user to another computing device that is operative to detect andreceive the signal.

Certain of the following diagrams provide various means by whichrespective computing devices may be operated as to perform communicationat initialization, handshake, codec negotiation, agreement on the mannerof operation, etc. For example, consider a computing device 2420 thatincludes a display and a computing device 2424 that includes atouchscreen display (e.g., implemented based on electrodes 85,touchscreen display with sensors 80 that are respectively serviced byDSCs 28 that are in communication with one or more processing models 42that may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to memory) suchthat one or more signals are operable to be coupled from the computingdevice 2420 via a user to the computing device 2424, or vice versa.Also, in some examples, note the computing device 2420 and/or thecomputing device 2424 includes functionality to interface with one ormore other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or morecommunication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc.

In another example, consider two computing devices 2420 that includessuch capability of a touchscreen display (e.g., implemented based onelectrodes 85, touchscreen display with sensors 80 that are respectivelyserviced by DSCs 28 that are in communication with one or moreprocessing models 42 that may include integrated memory and/or becoupled to memory) such that one or more signals are operable to becoupled from a first of the computing devices 2424 via a user to theother of the computing devices 2424, or vice versa.

FIG. 41 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4100 of usercomputing device and touchscreen communication initialization andhandshake as performed within a system operative to facilitate couplingof one or more signals from a first computing device via a user to asecond computing device in accordance with the present invention. Thebottom of this diagram shows the sequence of operations as a function oftime between two computing devices that facilitate coupling of one ormore signals to one another via a user. In these examples, consider acomputing device 2420 that includes capability to generate one or moresignals to be coupled into the user's body, through the user's body, andinto one or more electrodes 85 of a touchscreen display with sensors 80of a computing device 2424. In alternative embodiments, note that thecomputing device 2420 also includes functionality and capabilities asshown by the computing device 2424. For example, the computing device2420 may be a portable device. The computing device 2420 may alsoinclude a touchscreen display with sensors 80. This diagram correspondsto an instance in which the communication initialization and handshakebetween the computing devices 2420 and 2424 is initiated by thecomputing device 2420. In other examples, the communicationinitialization and handshake between the computing devices 2420 and 2424is initiated by the computing device 2424.

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420is configured to generate and transmit a handshake signal to thecomputing device 2424 via the body of the user. The handshake signal isthe mechanism by which the computing device 2420 indicates to thecomputing device 2424 that the computing device 2420 intends to provideone or more data communication signals to the computing device 2424 viathe user's body. In certain examples, the handshake signal is generatedand transmitted by the computing device 2420 based on the opening of anapplication (e.g., an “app” such as being open and initiated by theuser). In other examples, the handshake signal is generated andtransmitted by the computing device 2420 based on the user selecting aparticular option or button within the application or of the computingdevice 2420. In other examples, the handshake signal is a signal withpredetermined characteristic(s), based on user interaction, opening ofapp, etc. In certain examples, the handshake signal includes a knownbit/data pattern, bit sequence, bar code: header, data, footer, etc. Forexample, the handshake signal is coupled from the computing device 2420via the user's body to the computing device 2424 in accordance with anyparticular implementation (e.g., such as the user contacting or beingwithin sufficient proximity to an image on the display of the computingdevice 2420, with the user contacting or being within sufficientproximity to a button of the computing device 2420, etc.). Generallyspeaking, such a handshake signal indicates to the computing device 2424that the computing device 2420 intends to make a communication to thecomputing device 2424.

The handshake signal includes one or more predetermined characteristicssuch that the computing device 2424 is configured to recognize thesignal as being the handshake signal. For example, the handshake signalmay include known bit/data pattern, a particular bit sequence, a barcode, a known format such as including a header portion, followed by adata portion, followed by a footer portion, including the respectivesize, number of bits, length, modulation type, etc. of that particularformat, and/or one or more other characteristics that is known to thecomputing device 2424. For example, each of the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424 are programmed to know the particularcharacteristics of the handshake signal so that the computing device2420 utilizes the appropriate handshake signal to indicate to thecomputing device 2424 that communication is forthcoming. In addition,note that different handshake signals may be employed at different timesas long as the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 whichparticular handshake signal is to be used in a particular instance.

In the event that the computing device 2420 does not receive a response(e.g., an acknowledgement (ACK) from the computing device 2424 based onthe transmission of the handshake signal from the computing device 2420to the computing device 2424 is not received), the computing device 2420may retransmit the handshake signal. This may be based on any one ormore criteria, such as after the elapse of a particular amount of time(e.g., Delta T, such as X seconds, where X is some desired value such as0.01, 0.05, 0.1 0.7, 1, 2, etc. or some other value).

Based on reception of the handshake signal by the computing device 2424,and based on detection of the handshake signal as being the handshakesignal by the computing device 2424, and based on the computing device2424 operative and ready to receive subsequent communication from thecomputing device 2420, the computing device 2424 transmits anacknowledgement (ACK) of the handshake signal to the computing device2420. The computing device 2420 is configured to receive the ACK that istransmitted from the computing device 2424. Alternatively, in someexamples, based on the computing device 2424 not being operative andready to receive subsequent communication from the computing device2420, the computing device 2424 and may not respond to the handshakesignal whatsoever or may respond to the handshake signal with adifferent signal or response than an ACK to indicate to the computingdevice 2420 that the computing device 2424 is not operative and ready toreceive such subsequent communication from the computing device 2420.

Note that the ACK that is provided from the computing device 2424 to thecomputing device 2420 in response to the handshake signal may betransmitted in any number of pathways. In some examples (e.g., such aswhen the computing device 2420 includes a touchscreen display withsensors 80, such as in a similar implementation to the computing device2424), the ACK is provided from the computing device 2424 via the user'sbody to the computing device 2420. In other examples (e.g., such as whenthe computing device 2420 does not include a touchscreen display withsensors 80), the ACK is provided from the computing device 2424 to thecomputing device 2420 via one or more alternative to communicationpathways (e.g., such as the one or more networks 26 such as describedwith reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 47 and/or communication channels thereofsuch as described with reference to FIG. 48, etc.). For example,communication from the computing device 2420 to the computing device2424 may be performed in a similar manner that communication is providedfrom the computing device 2420 via the user's body to the computingdevice 2424 or via another communication mechanism.

Based on successful transmission of the handshake signal from thecomputing device 2420 to the computing device 2424 and based on thecomputing device 2420 successfully receiving the ACK from the computingdevice 2424 in response to the handshake signal, the computing device2420 is configured to transmit one or more data communication signals tothe computing device 2424. In some examples, note that the computingdevice 2424 is configured to provide one or more ACKs, responses, etc.to the computing device 2420 in response to the one or more datacommunication signals that are transmitted from the computing device2420. The data communication signals may be achieved using various meanssuch as using signals via an image to convey data, signals via a buttonto convey data, etc. Note that the data communication signals that areprovided from the computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424 mayinclude any type of information. Examples of such information mayinclude any one or more of user identification information related tothe user, name of the user, etc., financial related information such aspayment information, credit card information, banking information, etc.,shipping information such as a personal address, a business address,etc. to which one or more selected or purchase products are to beshipped, etc., and/or contact information associated with the user suchas phone number, e-mail address, physical address, business cardinformation, a web link such as a Universal Resource Location (URL),etc. Generally speaking, such one or more signals may be generated andproduced to include any desired information to be conveyed from thecomputing device 2420 to the computing device 2424 via the user.

In addition, in certain examples, such data communication signals, ACKs,responses, etc. are provided from the computing device 2420 to thecomputing device 2424, and/or vice versa, based on a codec (e.g., anencoding and decoding protocol) that has been agreed to by the computingdevice 2420 and the computing device 2424. For example, in accordancewith such communication handshake initialization, or in accordance witha separate mechanism such as codec negotiation, the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 and establish agreement on a codecthat specifies the manner in which data is to be encoded by thecomputing device 2420 and conveyed to the computing device 2424. Forexample, such codec negotiation is performed to ensure that both thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 communicate in andagreed upon manner. This may include selection of one or more parametersthat govern how such communications are to be made between the computingdevices 2420 and 2424.

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4200 of usercomputing device and touchscreen communication initialization andhandshake as performed within a system operative to facilitate couplingof one or more signals from a first computing device via a user to asecond computing device in accordance with the present invention.

This diagram corresponds to an instance in which the communicationinitialization and handshake between the computing devices 2420 and 2424is initiated by the computing device 2424. In other examples, thecommunication initialization and handshake between the computing devices2420 and 2424 is initiated by the computing device 2420. In thisdiagram, the computing device 2424 generates and transmits the handshakesignal to the computing device 2420. For example, the computing device2420 may be a portable device. The computing device 2420 may alsoinclude a touchscreen display with sensors 80.

In the event that the computing device 2424 does not receive a response(e.g., an acknowledgement (ACK) from the computing device 2420 based onthe transmission of the handshake signal from the computing device 2424to the computing device 2420 is not received), the computing device 2420may retransmit the handshake signal. This may be based on any one ormore criteria, such as after the elapse of a particular amount of time(e.g., Delta T, such as X seconds, where X is some desired value such as0.01, 0.05, 0.1 0.7, 1, 2, etc. or some other value).

Based on successful transmission of the handshake signal from thecomputing device 2424 to the computing device 2420 and based on thecomputing device 2424 successfully receiving the ACK from the computingdevice 2420 in response to the handshake signal, the computing device2420 is configured to transmit one or more data communication signals tothe computing device 2424. In some examples, note that the computingdevice 2424 is configured to provide one or more ACKs, responses, etc.to the computing device 2420 in response to the one or more datacommunication signals that are transmitted from the computing device2420.

In even other alternative implementations, both the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 initiate the communicationinitialization and handshake. For example, both the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 transmit the same handshake signal toperform communication initialization and handshake, and a successfullytransmitted and received ACK in response to the handshake signals (e.g.,from the computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424, or fromcomputing device 2424 to the computing device 2420) completes thecommunication initialization and handshake and facilitates subsequentone or more data communication signals between the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424.

In some other examples, the computing device 2420 is configured tooperate by transmitting a first handshake signal, and the computingdevice 2424 is configured to operate by transmitting a second handshakesignal that is different than the first handshake signal. In suchexamples, a successfully transmitted and received ACK in response to thefirst handshake signal (e.g., consider the first handshake signal fromthe computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424, and an ACKtransmitted from the computing device 2424 and received by the computingdevice 2420) or the second handshake signal (e.g., consider the secondhandshake signal from the computing device 2424 to the computing device2420, and an ACK transmitted from the computing device 2420 and receivedby the computing device 2424) completes the communication initializationand handshake and facilitates subsequent one or more data communicationsignals between the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424.In some examples, the same ACK may be used by each of the computingdevice 2420 and the computing device 2424 in response to the firsthandshake signal and the second handshake signal, respectively. Inalternative examples, different respective ACKs may be used by each ofthe computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 in response tothe first handshake signal and the second handshake signal,respectively.

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4300 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. The method 4300 operates in step 4310 bygenerating a handshake signal. In some examples, the handshake signal isone that includes one or more predetermined characteristics. Forexample, based on both the computing device and another computingdevice, such as a recipient computing device, knowing the one or morepredetermined characteristics associated with the handshake signal, theother computing device is operative to detect the handshake signal andto recognize that it is in fact the handshake signal based on knowledgeof the one or more predetermined characteristics. In some examples, boththe computing device on the other computing device or program withinformation regarding the war more predetermined characteristics. Inother examples, the computing device and the other computing devicecommunicate with one another to agree upon the one or more predeterminedcharacteristics to be included within a handshake signal. Regardless ofthe manner by which both the computing device and the other computingdevice acquire the information regarding the one or more predeterminedcharacteristics associated with the handshake signal, once both thecomputing device and the other computing device have such information,then computing device is operative to generate the handshake signalbased on those one or more predetermined characteristics. Note thatdifferent respective handshake signals may be used at different times,such as a first handshake signal used at or during the first time, asecond handshake signal used at work during a second time, etc. So longas both the computing device and the other computing device haveinformation regarding which particular handshake signal is to be used ator during a given time, a communication handshake initializationoperation may be performed between the computing device and the othercomputing device.

The method 4300 also operates in step 4320 by transmitting the handshakesignal to another computing device. For example, this may be performedby coupling the signal from the computing device via a user to the othercomputing device. For another example, transmission of the handshakesignal to the other computing devices is performed via an alternativecommunication pathway between the computing device and the othercomputing device.

The method 4300 operates in step 4330 by determining whether or not anacknowledgment (ACK), response, etc. has been received from the othercomputing device in response to the handshake signal that has beentransmitted. Based on no ACK, response, etc. being received by thecomputing device, such as after a certain amount of time has elapsed,then the method 4300 loops back to step 4320 to retransmit the handshakesignal to the other computing device. Alternatively, based on no ACK,response, etc. being received by the computing device after multipleattempts or instances of the computing device transmitting the handshakesignal, the method 4300 ends or continues.

However, based on an ACK, response, etc. that is provided from the othercomputing device being received by the computing device in step 4330,the method 4300 also operates in step 4340 by supporting communicationsbetween the computing device and the other computing device. In somealternative variants of the method 4300, the method 4300 also operatesin step 4342 by generating and transmitting one or more datacommunication signals from the computing device to the other computingdevice. In even other some alternative variants of the method 4300, themethod 4300 also operates in step 4344 by receiving one or more ACKs,responses, etc. from the other computing device.

In some implementations, one or more additional negotiation, agreement,etc. operations are performed in addition to communicationinitialization and handshake. For example, codec negotiation isperformed by the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 toestablish agreement on a codec that specifies the manner in which datais to be encoded by the computing device 2420 and conveyed to thecomputing device 2424, and/or vice versa and to ensure that both thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 communicate in andagreed upon manner.

This may include selection of one or more parameters that govern howsuch communications are to be made between the computing devices 2420and 2424. Examples of such parameters that are to be agreed upon inaccordance with codec negotiation as performed between the computingdevices 2420 and 2424 may include any one or more of the manner by whichone or more signals are to be coupled into a user from computing device2420, one or more pathways via which the one more signals are to becoupled from the computing device 2420 via the user to the computingdevice 2424 (e.g., such as may be performed in accordance with any ofthe various examples, embodiments, associated with FIG. 26-29B, amongothers), one or more return pathways via which the one or more signalsare to be coupled from the computing device 2424 to the computing device2420 (e.g., such as may be performed in accordance with any of thevarious examples, embodiments, associated with FIGS. 26-29B, amongothers, which facilitate coupling of signals the user and/or such as maybe performed in accordance with any of the various examples,embodiments, associated with FIGS. 47-48, among others, which facilitatetransmission of signals via one or more other communication channels,networks, etc.), the manner by which information is to be represented(e.g., the manner by which digital information such as 1s and 0s is tobe represented, such as using different respective images to representrespectively 1 and 0 or such as using a particular signal generationmechanism, within one or more signals that are generated by thecomputing device 2420 such as by a signal generator, by the hardwarecomponents of the display based on the displaying an image, etc., suchas may be performed in accordance with any of the various examples,embodiments, associated with FIGS. 30-36, among others), any forwarderror correction (FEC) and/or error checking and correction (ECC) codethat is to be used to generate one or more coded bits to be includedwith any one or more signals, modulation or symbol mapping to generatemodulation symbols such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadraturephase shift keying (QPSK), 8-phase shift keying (PSK), 16 quadratureamplitude modulation (QAM), 32 amplitude and phase shift keying (APSK),etc., uncoded modulation, and/or any other desired types of modulationsuch as even higher ordered modulations having even greater number ofconstellation points (e.g., 1024 QAM, etc.), etc.

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4400 of userdevice and touchscreen codec negotiation as performed within a systemoperative to facilitate coupling of one or more signals from a firstcomputing device via a user to a second computing device in accordancewith the present invention. The bottom of this diagram shows thesequence of operations as a function of time between two computingdevices that facilitate coupling of one or more signals to one anothervia a user. In these examples, consider a computing device 2420 thatincludes capability to generate one or more signals to be coupled intothe user's body, through the user's body, and into one or moreelectrodes 85 of a touchscreen display with sensors 80 of a computingdevice 2424. In alternative embodiments, note that both the computingdevices that provide such functionality include capabilities as shown bythe computing device 2424. For example, the computing device 2420 may bea portable device. The computing device 2420 may also include atouchscreen display with sensors 80. This diagram corresponds to aninstance in which the communication initialization and handshake tofacilitate codec negotiation between the computing devices 2420 and 2424is initiated by the computing device 2420. In other examples, thecommunication initialization and handshake to facilitate codecnegotiation between the computing devices 2420 and 2424 is initiated bythe computing device 2424.

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420is configured to generate and transmit a codec negotiation signal to thecomputing device 2424 via the body of the user. The codec negotiationsignal includes information to assist and facilitate the agreementbetween the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 on therespective parameters by which subsequent communication is to beperformed. Examples of information that may be included within such acodec negotiation signal may include any one or more of one or morerequired codecs to be used, one or more proposed options for one or morecodecs to be used, one or more supported codecs, one or more preferredcodecs, etc. based on the functionality and capability of the computingdevice 2420. In certain examples, the computing device 2420 includesfunctionality and capability to support communication in accordance withcertain parameters and not with others, and the codec negotiation signalincludes information to inform the computing device 2424 of thatfunctionality and capability.

In other examples, the computing device 2420 is implemented to supportcommunications based on a list of supported codecs such that certain ofthe codecs facilitate more robust communications in accordance withmodulation and/or symbol mapping (e.g., such as using relatively lowerordered modulations, such as BPSK, QPSK, etc. that may be used when thecommunication pathway, such as the user or an alternative communicationbandwidth, between the computing device 2420 and the computing device2424 is adversely affected by noise, interference, etc. as opposed torelatively higher ordered modulations, such as 64 QAM, etc.), certain ofthe codecs facilitate greater throughput (e.g., such as using relativelyhigher ordered modulations, such as 64 QAM, etc. when the communicationmedium, such as the user or an alternative communication pathway,between the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 is notadversely affected by noise, interference, etc. and is capable ofsupporting greater throughput), etc., and one or more particular codecsmay be preferred to be used in certain instances. In certain examples,the codec negotiation signal includes information regarding which one ormore particular codecs are preferred to be used into communicationsbetween the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424.

In even other examples, the computing device 2420 is implemented tosupport communications based on a list of supported codecs such thatcertain of the codecs based on certain forms of FEC and/or ECC and notothers (e.g., support communication based on turbo code, trellis codedmodulation (TCM), but not other types of FEC and/or ECC, oralternatively support communication based on Reed-Solomon (RS) code andBCH (Bose and Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem) code, but not other typesof FEC and/or ECC, etc.). Communication between the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 may be made in accordance withcommunicating the respective capabilities of the computing devices toidentify and to agree on a particular FEC and/or ECC of which both thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 and capability thatmay be used or subsequent communications. Generally speaking, thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 effectuate codecnegotiation by identifying one or more shared capabilities by both thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424, such as based onadvertisement of such capabilities to one another, based oncommunication of such information between one another, etc., andsubsequent selection of a particular codecs that may be used by both thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424. In some examples,such as when the computing device 2420 in the computing device 2424 donot share capability of one or more FECs and/or ECCs, the computingdevice 2420 in the computing device 2424 may agree to facilitatecommunication between them based on uncoated modulation without usingany FEC and/or ECC.

Moreover, negotiation on the particular codecs to be used between thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 includes selectionof the manner by which signals are to be generated and coupled from thecomputing device 2420 via the user to the computing device 2424.

In the event that the computing device 2420 does not receive a response(e.g., an acknowledgement (ACK) from the computing device 2424 based onthe transmission of the codec negotiation signal from the computingdevice 2420 to the computing device 2424 is not received), the computingdevice 2420 may retransmit the codec negotiation signal. This may bebased on any one or more criteria, such as after the elapse of aparticular amount of time (e.g., Delta T, such as X seconds, where X issome desired value such as 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 0.7, 1, 2, etc. or some othervalue).

Based on detection and reception of the codec negotiation signal by thecomputing device 2424, the computing device 2420 is configured toperform one or more operations. In certain examples, the computingdevice 2424 is configured to accept a proposed codec that is includedwithin the codec negotiation signal provided from the computing device2420. For example, based on the computing device 2420 generating andtransmitting a new codec negotiation signal that includes a proposedcodec, and based on the computing device 2424 including capability andfunctionality to support the proposed codec, the computing device 2424is configured to generate and transmit a signal, such as a response oran ACK, to the computing device 2420 that indicates acceptance of theproposed codec so that subsequent communications between the computingdevice 2420 and the computing device 2424 may be performed using theproposed and accepted codec.

In other examples, based on the computing device 2424 not includingcapability and functionality to support the proposed codec, thecomputing device 2424 is configured to generate and transmit a signal,such as a response or an ACK, that indicates nonacceptance of theproposed codec. In certain other examples, computing device 2424 isconfigured to generate and transmit the signal to include one or morealternative proposed codecs to be used for subsequent communicationsbetween the computing device 2420 computing device 2424. For example,the response or ACK may include acceptance or denial of one or more ofrequired codec(s), proposed option(s) for codec, supported codec(s),preferred codec(s). Alternatively, this may include other supportedcodec(s), other preferred codec(s), etc.

In addition, note that multiple respective communications may be madebetween the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 inaccordance with performing codec negotiation. For example, multiplerespective communications may be made between the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424 to arrive at agreement regarding whichparticular codec is to be employed for subsequent communications betweenthe computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424. For example,additional communications may be made to reach agreement of codec (e.g.,finalize negotiation of one or more codec parameters if not yet agreedto).

Note that the response or ACK that is provided from the computing device2424 to the computing device 2420 in response to the codec negotiationsignal may be transmitted in any number of pathways. In some examples(e.g., such as when the computing device 2420 includes a touchscreendisplay with sensors 80, such as in a similar implementation to thecomputing device 2424), the response or ACK is provided from thecomputing device 2424 via the user's body to the computing device 2420.In other examples (e.g., such as when the computing device 2420 does notinclude a touchscreen display with sensors 80), the ACK is provided fromthe computing device 2424 to the computing device 2420 via one or morealternative to communication pathways (e.g., such as the one or morenetworks 26 such as described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 47 and/orcommunication channels thereof such as described with reference to FIG.48, etc.). For example, communication from the computing device 2420 tothe computing device 2424 may be performed in a similar manner thatcommunication is provided from the computing device 2420 via the user'sbody to the computing device 2424 or via another communicationmechanism.

Based on successful transmission of the codec negotiation signal fromthe computing device 2420 to the computing device 2424 and based on thecomputing device 2420 successfully receiving the response or ACK fromthe computing device 2424 in response to the codec negotiation signal,and based on the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424having agreed on a particular codec to be used for communicationsbetween the computing devices, the computing device 2420 is configuredto transmit one or more data communication signals to the computingdevice 2424. In some examples, note that the computing device 2424 isconfigured to provide one or more ACKs, responses, etc. to the computingdevice 2420 in response to the one or more data communication signalsthat are transmitted from the computing device 2420. Note that the datacommunication signals that are provided from the computing device 2420to the computing device 2424 may include any type of information. Thedata communication signals may be achieved using various means such asusing signals via an image to convey data, signals via a button toconvey data, etc. Examples of such information may include any one ormore of user identification information related to the user, name of theuser, etc., financial related information such as payment information,credit card information, banking information, etc., shipping informationsuch as a personal address, a business address, etc. to which one ormore selected or purchase products are to be shipped, etc., and/orcontact information associated with the user such as phone number,e-mail address, physical address, business card information, a web linksuch as a Universal Resource Location (URL), etc. Generally speaking,such one or more signals may be generated and produced to include anydesired information to be conveyed from the computing device 2420 to thecomputing device 2424 via the user.

In addition, in certain examples, such data communication signals, ACKs,responses, etc. are provided from the computing device 2420 to thecomputing device 2424, and/or vice versa, based on a codec (e.g.,governing one or more of the manner in which signals are generated inone or more of the computing device 2420 in the computing device 2424,one or more communication pathways via which signals are coupled betweenthe computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424, an encoding anddecoding protocol such as including FEC and/or ECC, modulation and/orsymbol mapping, etc.) that has been agreed to by the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424. For example, in accordance with suchcommunication handshake initialization, and/or in accordance with aseparate mechanism such as codec negotiation, the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424 and establish agreement on a codec thatspecifies the manner in which data is to be encoded by the computingdevice 2420 and conveyed to the computing device 2424. For example, suchcodec negotiation is performed to ensure that both the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 communicate in and agreed uponmanner. This includes selection of one or more parameters that governhow such communications are to be made between the computing devices2420 and 2424. In some examples, this involves

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4500 of userdevice and touchscreen codec negotiation as performed within a systemoperative to facilitate coupling of one or more signals from a firstcomputing device via a user to a second computing device in accordancewith the present invention.

This diagram corresponds to an instance in which the codec negotiationbetween the computing devices 2420 and 2424 is initiated by the vice2424. In this diagram, the computing device 2424 generates and transmitsthe codec negotiation signal to the computing device 2420.

In the event that the computing device 2424 does not receive a response(e.g., an acknowledgement (ACK) from the computing device 2420 based onthe transmission of the codec negotiation signal from the computingdevice 2424 to the computing device 2420 is not received), the computingdevice 2420 may retransmit the codec negotiation signal. This may bebased on any one or more criteria, such as after the elapse of aparticular amount of time (e.g., Delta T, such as X seconds, where X issome desired value such as 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 0.7, 1, 2, etc. or some othervalue).

Based on successful transmission of the codec negotiation signal fromthe computing device 2424 to the computing device 2420 and based on thecomputing device 2424 successfully receiving the ACK from the computingdevice 2420 in response to the codec negotiation signal, the computingdevice 2420 is configured to transmit one or more data communicationsignals to the computing device 2424. In some examples, note that thecomputing device 2424 is configured to provide one or more ACKs,responses, etc. to the computing device 2420 in response to the one ormore data communication signals that are transmitted from the computingdevice 2420.

In even other alternative implementations, both the computing device2420 and the computing device 2424 initiate the codec negotiation. Forexample, both the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424transmit the same codec negotiation signal to perform codec negotiation,and a successfully transmitted and received response or ACK in responseto the codec negotiation signals (e.g., from the computing device 2420to the computing device 2424, or from computing device 2424 to thecomputing device 2420) completes the codec negotiation and facilitatessubsequent one or more data communication signals between the computingdevice 2420 and the computing device 2424.

In some other examples, the computing device 2420 is configured tooperate by transmitting a first codec negotiation signal, and thecomputing device 2424 is configured to operate by transmitting a secondcodec negotiation signal that is different than the first codecnegotiation signal. In such examples, a successfully transmitted andreceived ACK in response to the first codec negotiation signal (e.g.,consider the first codec negotiation signal from the computing device2420 to the computing device 2424, and an ACK transmitted from thecomputing device 2424 and received by the computing device 2420) or thesecond codec negotiation signal (e.g., consider the second codecnegotiation signal from the computing device 2424 to the computingdevice 2420, and an ACK transmitted from the computing device 2420 andreceived by the computing device 2424) completes the codec negotiationand facilitates subsequent one or more data communication signalsbetween the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424. In someexamples, the same ACK may be used by each of the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424 in response to the first codec negotiationsignal and the second codec negotiation signal, respectively. Inalternative examples, different respective ACKs may be used by each ofthe computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424 in response tothe first codec negotiation signal and the second codec negotiationsignal, respectively.

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4600 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. In some alternative variants of the method 4600,the method 4600 performs a communications initialization and handshakeoperation before performing subsequent steps included within the method4600. For example, in such alternate variants of the method 4600, themethod 4600 operates in step 4602 by performing a communicationsinitialization and handshake operation between a computing device andanother computing device.

The method 4600 operates in step 4610 by generating a codec negotiationsignal. In certain examples, the codec negotiation signal is a signalthat includes one or more of required codec(s), proposed options forcodec(s), supported codec(s), preferred codec(s), etc. based on thefunctionality, capabilities, etc. of the computing device, etc. Any of anumber of variety of types of information related to one or more codecsmay be included within the codec negotiation signal that is generated bythe computing device to facilitate agreement between the computingdevice and another computing device regarding one or more codecs to besubsequently used in accordance with supporting communications betweenthe computing device and the other computing device.

The method 4600 also operates in step 4620 by transmitting the codecnegotiation to another computing device. In some examples, transmissionof the codec negotiation signal to the other computing device isperformed by coupling the signal from the computing device via a user tothe other computing device. In other examples, transmission of the codecnegotiation signal to the other computing devices is performed via analternative communication pathway between the computing device and theother computing device.

The method 4600 operates in step 4630 by determining whether or not anacknowledgment (ACK), response, etc. has been received from the othercomputing device in response to the codec negotiation signal that hasbeen transmitted. Based on no ACK, response, etc. being received by thecomputing device, such as after a certain amount of time has elapsed,then the method 4600 loops back to step 4620 to retransmit the codecnegotiation signal to the other computing device. Alternatively, basedon no ACK, response, etc. being received by the computing device aftermultiple attempts or instances of the computing device transmitting thecodec negotiation signal, the method 4600 ends or continues.

In addition, in certain alternative variants of the method 4600,additional communications may be made between the computing device andthe other computing device to reach agreement of one or more codecs tobe used in accordance with supporting subsequent communications betweenthe computing device and the other computing device. For example, theother computing device may provide information to the computing deviceindicating one or more of required codec(s), proposed options forcodec(s), supported codec(s), preferred codec(s), etc. based on thefunctionality and capabilities of the other computing device, etc. then,based on both the computing the rice and the other computing devicehaving such information regarding the functionality, capabilities, etc.,of both the computing device and the other computing device, then thecomputing device and the other computing device can reach agreement ofone or more codecs to be used in accordance with supporting subsequentcommunications between the computing device and the other computingdevice.

However, based on an ACK, response, etc. that is provided from the othercomputing device being received by the computing device in step 4630 inresponse to the codec negotiation signal that provides for agreement ofone or more codecs, the method 4600 also operates in step 4640 bysupporting communications between the computing device and the othercomputing device. In some alternative variants of the method 4600, themethod 4600 also operates in step 4642 by generating and transmittingone or more data communication signals from the computing device to theother computing device in accordance with the codec(s) that is/areagreed to between the computing device and the other computing devicebased on codec negotiation. In even other some alternative variants ofthe method 4600, the method 4600 also operates in step 4644 by receivingone or more ACKs, responses, etc. from the other computing device inaccordance with the codec(s) that is/are agreed to between the computingdevice and the other computing device based on codec negotiation.

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4700 oftouchscreen to user device communication pathways as performed within asystem operative to facilitate coupling of one or more signals from afirst computing device via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention. This diagram shows one or morealternative communication pathways between computing device 2420 and thecomputing device 2424. For example, the computing device 2420 may be aportable device. The computing device 2420 may also include atouchscreen display with sensors 80. In an example of operation andimplementation, each of the computing device 2420 and the computingdevice 2424 include a respective communication interface to facilitatecommunication via the one or more networks 26. Note that communicationsfrom the computing device 2424 to the computing device 2420 (e.g., whichmay include any one or more of a response, an ACK, a confirmation, areply, any other communication, etc.) may be performed via couplingthrough the user's body, such as when the computing device 2420 includeselectrodes 85 of a touchscreen display with sensors 80 or alternativelybe a one or more other return pathways. Examples of some communicationsfrom the computing device 2424 to the computing device 2420 may includeany one or more of ACKs, responses, confirmation(s), othercommunication(s), etc.) via coupling through user's body. This may beperformed when the computing device 2420 includes electrodes 85.Alternatively, such communications may be made via any other returnpathway such as wired, wireless, WiFi, cellular, cable, satellite, etc.Examples of such communication pathways within the one or more networks26 may include any one or more of a wired communication pathway, awireless communication pathway, a wireless local area network (WLAN)such as WiFi, a cellular communication system, a cable-basedcommunication system that may include fiber optic components, hybridfiber coax (HFC) components, etc., a satellite communication system,and/or any other type of communication system, etc.

In an example of operation and implementation, the computing device 2420is configured to generate and transmit one or more signals that arecoupled via a user's body to the computing device 2424. In accordancewith effectuating a return communication from the computing device 2424to the computing device 2420, the computing device 2424 is configured togenerate and transmit one or more other signals that are transmitted tothe computing device 2420 via the one or more networks 26. In addition,in certain examples, note that the computing device 2420 is alsoconfigured to generate and transmit one or more signals to the computingdevice 2424 via the one or more networks 26. The communication mechanismfrom the computing device 2420 via the user's body to the computingdevice 2424 includes one or more particular communication pathways(e.g., such as via different fingers, digits, extremities, etc. theuser), and the communication mechanism between the computing device 2420and the computing device 2424 includes one or more other communicationpathways (e.g., via the one or more networks 26).

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4800 oftouchscreen to user device communication pathways as performed within asystem operative to facilitate coupling of one or more signals from afirst computing device via a user to a second computing device inaccordance with the present invention. Generally speaking, with respectto digital communications, the goal of digital communications systems isto transmit digital data from one location, or subsystem, to anothereither error free or with an acceptably low error rate. As shown in FIG.48, data may be transmitted over a variety of communications channels ina wide variety of communication systems: magnetic media, wired,wireless, fiber, copper, and other types of media as well. this diagramincludes one or more examples of a communication system that includesone or more communication media, systems, etc. by which one or moresignals may be communicated between the computing device 2420 in thecomputing device 2424.

Referring to FIG. 48, this embodiment 4800 of a communication systemincludes a communication channel 4899, which may be viewed as beingincluded within the one or more networks 26, that communicativelycouples the computing device 2420 and the computing device 2424. Incertain examples, the computing device 2420 includes a communicationinterface that includes a receiver 4816 having a decoder 4818 that isconfigured to receive one or more signals via the communication channel4899. In certain other examples, the computing device 2420 also includesa transmitter 4812 having an encoder 4814 that is configured to generateand transmit one or more signals via the communication channel 4899.

At the other end of the communication channel, the computing device 2424includes a transmitter 4826 having an encoder 4828 that is configured togenerate and transmit one or more signals via the communication channel4899. In certain other examples, the computing device 2424 also includesa receiver 4822 having a decoder 4824 that is configured to receive oneor more signals via the communication channel 4899.

In some alternative examples, either of the communication computingdevices 2420 and 2424 may include a communication interface that onlyincludes a transmitter or a receiver. There are several different typesof media by which the communication channel 4899 may be implemented(e.g., a satellite communication channel 4830 using satellite dishes4832 and 4834, a wireless communication channel 4840 using towers 4842and 4844 and/or local antennae 4852 and 4854, a wired communicationchannel 4850, and/or a fiber-optic communication channel 4860 usingelectrical to optical (E/O) interface 4862 and optical to electrical(O/E) interface 4864)). In addition, more than one type of media may beimplemented and interfaced together thereby forming the communicationchannel 4899.

FIG. 49A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4901 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. The method 4901 operates in step 4910 bytransmitting a first signal (e.g., handshake signal, codec negotiationsignal, data communication signal, etc.) to another computing device viaa first communication pathway (e.g., by coupling the signal from thecomputing device via a user to the other computing device).

The method 4901 also operates in step 4920 by receiving a second signal(e.g., ACK, response, data communication signal, etc.) from the othercomputing device via the first communication pathway (e.g., by couplingthe second signal from the other computing device via the user to thecomputing device).

FIG. 49B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4902 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention.

The method 4902 operates in step 4911 by transmitting a first signal(e.g., handshake signal, codec negotiation signal, data communicationsignal, etc.) to another computing device via a first communicationpathway (e.g., by coupling the signal from the computing device via auser to the other computing device).

The method 4902 also operates in step 4921 by receiving a second signal(e.g., ACK, response, data communication signal, etc.) from the othercomputing device via a second communication pathway (e.g., via analternative communication pathway that is different than coupling viathe user).

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of embodiments 5001 and 5002 ofuser device and touchscreen security based on user bio-metriccharacterization for use within a system operative to facilitatecoupling of one or more signals from a first computing device via a userto a second computing device in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, one or more processing modules 42 is configured tocommunicate with and interact with one or more other devices includingone or more of DSCs, one or more components associated with a DSC,and/or one or more other components implemented within the computingdevice 2420 (or alternatively, the computing device 2424). For example,the computing device 2420 and/or the computing device 2424 may be aportable device. The computing device 2420 and/or the computing device2424 may also include a touchscreen display with sensors 80. Note thatsuch functionality and capability is described with respect to thisdiagram may be included with any of the various examples, embodiments,etc. of the computing device 2424.

As within other examples, embodiments, etc., note that the one or moreprocessing modules 42 may include integrated memory and/or be coupled toother memory. At least some of the memory stores operationalinstructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules 42. Inaddition, note that the one or more processing modules 45 may interfacewith one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one ormore communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels,etc. (e.g., such as via one or more communication interfaces of thecomputing device 2420, such as may be integrated into the one or moreprocessing modules or be implemented as a separate component, circuitry,etc.).

In this diagram, the one or more processing modules 42 is configured toservice and interact with the electrodes 85 of a touchscreen displaywith sensors 80 using respective DSCs 28. In addition, the computingdevice 2420 is also implemented to include one or more other bio-metricsensors that facilitate verification of a user of the computing device2420. Examples of such bio-metric sensors that may be implemented withinthe computing device 2420 may include any one or more of thefinger/thumb print sensor 5022 configured to facilitate detection of afinger/thumb print, a camera 5024 configured to facilitate facialrecognition of a user, a microphone and 5026 configured to facilitatevoice recognition of user, and/or generally any other bio-metric sensors5026. Note that one or more of these respective bio-metric sensorsimplemented within the computing device 2420 may be service by one ormore other DSCs 28. For example, the communication, control, andsignaling to and from the one or more respective bio-metric sensorsimplemented within the computing device 2420 may be effectuated via theone or more other DSCs 28.

Moreover, in an example of operation and implementation, in animplementation of the computing device 2420 that includes electrodes 85of a touchscreen display with sensors 80 such that the electrodes 85 areserviced by DSCs 28, impedance measurement (Z) of the user is performedbased on the user interacting with the electrodes 85 of the touchscreendisplay with sensors 80. For example, based on a user contacting orbeing within sufficiently close proximity to one or more of theelectrodes 85 of the touchscreen display with sensors 80, the one ormore DSCs 28 configured to service and interact with the electrodes 85of the touchscreen display with sensors 80 are also configured toperform impedance measurement (Z) of the user of the computing device2420. Note that such impedance measurement (Z) of the user of thecomputing device 2420 may be performed based on every interaction of theuser with the computing device 2420, based on fewer than all of theinteractions of the user with the computing device 2420, and/or based onany other schedule or criteria. In certain samples, the one or moreprocessing modules 42 is configured to keep track various measurementsof the impedance measurement (Z) of the user of the computing device2420 to generate a particular profile associated with the user.

In certain examples, the impedances detected based on impedancemeasurements (Zs) of the user of the computing device 2420 at differentrespective times are the same for sufficiently close within some degreeof certainty (e.g., varying less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%,or varying less than some other degree of certainty). In other examples,the impedances detected based on impedance measurements (Zs) of the userof the computing device 2420 at different respective times aresubstantially different from one another based on such a degree ofcertainty (e.g., varying more than 15%, less more 10%, more than 5%, orvarying more than some other degree of certainty). By tracking andmonitoring the impedance measurement (Z) of the user of the computingdevice 2420 over time, the one or more processing modules 42 isconfigured to update the profile associated with the user.

In addition, note that one or more environmental sensors (e.g.,temperature sensor, humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor, etc.)may be implemented within the computing device 2420 and measurementsgenerated by the one or more environmental sensors may be processed incombination with impedance measurements (Zs) of the user of thecomputing device 2420 in accordance with updating the profile associatedwith the user. In addition, or alternatively to, the computing device2420 may include one or more mechanisms by which environmentalinformation corresponding to a location of the user of the computingdevice 2420 and the computing device 2420 may be determined. Forexample, the computing device 2420 may access one or more networks, suchas the Internet, to retrieve environmental information associated with alocation that is associated with the location of the user of thecomputing device 2420 and the computing device 2420 (e.g., based onlocation determination capability within the computing device 2420 inaccordance with interacting with one or more networks, and correlatingretrieved environmental information associated with the determinedlocation). For example, a higher or lower impedance measurement (Z) ofthe user may be determined and maybe based on the particular humidity ofthe environment in which the user of the computing device 2420 and thecomputing device 2420 are situated at a particular time. Similarly,other environmental conditions may also affect the impedance measurement(Z) of the user.

Note that any of the bio-metric sensing capabilities as described hereinmay be performed individually or in combination with one or more otherof the bio-metric sensing capabilities as described herein so as tofacilitate effective verification of the identity of a user of thecomputing device 2420. For example, such bio-metric sensing capabilitiesmay be based on Z measurement of user, thumb/finger-print, facialrecognition, voice recognition, respiration rate, etc. In some examples,this is performed at start-up/initialization, periodically/every DeltaT, based on 1+ conditions, based on 1+ criteria, based on of environmentconditions, and/or any change of such parameters/conditions/etc.)

In an example of operation and implementation, one or more bio-metricmechanisms of user verification is performed by the computing device2420 before effectuating communication from the computing device 2420via the user to the computing device 2424. For example, any one or moreof an impedance measurements (Zs) of the user of the computing device2420 (e.g., using the electrodes 85 of the touchscreen display withsensors 80 that are serviced by DSCs 28 that are in communication withthe one or more processing modules 42), a finger/thumb print detectionof the user of the computing device 2420 (e.g., using the finger/thumbprint sensor 5022 of the computing device 2420, which may optionally beserviced by one or more DSCs 28 that are in communication with the oneor more processing modules 42), a facial recognition of the user of thecomputing device 2420 (e.g., using the camera 5024 of the computingdevice 2420, which may optionally be serviced by one or more DSCs 28that are in communication with the one or more processing modules 42), avoice recognition of the user of the computing device 2420 (e.g., usingthe microphone 5026 of the computing device 2420, which may optionallybe serviced by one or more DSCs 28 that are in communication with theone or more processing modules 42), and/or any other bio-metric sensor5026 is configured to perform verification of the user of the computingdevice 2420.

Note that any one or more additional bio-metric mechanisms of usermonitoring and verification may also be used including those that arebased on one or more other sensors, such as heart rate sensors,respiration/breathing rate sensors, etc. In certain examples, the one ormore processing modules 42 is configured to monitor such bodilyoperations based on an operation currently being performed by a user ofthe computing device 2420. Consider a user of the computing device 2420who is an unauthorized user of the computing device 2420 attempting toeffectuate a fraudulent financial transaction using the computing device2420, the one or more processing modules 42 is configured to performmonitoring and detection of change of one or more bodily functions suchas heart rate, respiration rate, etc. when the user is attempting toeffectuate a fraudulent financial transaction using the computing device2420. Based on such change of one or more bodily functions such as heartrate, respiration rate, etc. comparing unfavorably to one or morecriteria (e.g., being outside of acceptable range), the one or moreprocessing modules 42 is configured to identify that the financialtransaction is indeed fraudulent and to deny or block the user frominteracting with the computing device 2420.

Also, the one or more processing modules 42 is configured to processinformation provided from any such bio-metric mechanisms of usermonitoring and verification in accordance with determining whether theidentity of the user of the computing device 2420 corresponds to theidentity of an authorized user of the computing device 2420. Examples ofsuch bio-metric mechanisms may include any or more of Z measurement ofuser, thumb/finger print, facial recognition, voice recognition,galvanic skin response (GSR) [alternatively referred to as ElectrodermalActivity (EDA) and Skin Conductance (SC)], etc.

Based on information provided by such one or more mechanisms of the userverification, the one or more processing modules 42 is configured toprocess that information provided from any such one or more bio-metricmechanisms of user monitoring and verification to determine whether ornot it compares favorably to an identity of the user.

For example, one or more processing modules 42 is configured to comparepredetermined or known information associated with the user (e.g., suchas stored within memory, retrieved from a database, etc.) to informationthat is provided based on one or more bio-metric sensors that areimplemented within the computing device 2420 to determine whether or notthe user of the computing device 2420 is to be authorized to effectuatecommunication from the computing device 2420 via the user to thecomputing device 2424. Based on favorable comparison of such informationto predetermined or known information associated with the user, the oneor more processing modules 42 is configured to permit the user of thecomputing device 2420 to effectuate communication from the computingdevice 2420 via the user to the computing device 2424. Alternatively,based on the unfavorable comparison of such information to predeterminedor known information associated with the user, the one or moreprocessing modules 42 is configured to deny or block the user of thecomputing device 2420 from the ability to effectuate communication fromthe computing device 2420 via the user to the computing device 2424. Theuse of one or more bio-metric provides enhanced security and controlaccess for a user's usage of the computing device 2420 based on one ormore bio-metric measurements associated with the user of the computingdevice 2420.

FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method5100 for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance withthe present invention. The method 5100 operates in step 5110 byproducing verification information for a user using a computing devicebased on one or more bio-metric mechanisms (e.g., Z measurement of user,thumb/finger print, facial recognition, voice recognition, galvanic skinresponse (GSR) [alternatively referred to as Electrodermal Activity(EDA) and Skin Conductance (SC)], etc.).

The method 5100 also operates in step 5120 by processing theverification information for the user to determine whether the user isauthorized to operate the computing device and/or one or moreapplications operative on the computing device. Based on the user beingdetermined to be authorized to operate the computing device computingdevice and/or one or more applications operative on the computingdevice, the method 5100 branches via step 5130 to step 5140 andcontinues by permitting the user to operate the computing deviceincluding to effectuate communication from the computing device toanother computing device.

Alternatively, based on the user being determined not to be authorizedto operate the computing device computing device and/or one or moreapplications operative on the computing device, the method 5100 branchesvia step 5130 to step 5150 and continues by blocking the user fromoperating the computing device including blocking communication from thecomputing device to the other computing device. Alternatively, based onthe user being determined not to be authorized to operate the computingdevice computing device and/or one or more applications operative on thecomputing device, the method 5100 branches via step 5130 to end orcontinue.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, text, graphics, audio, etc. any of which may generally bereferred to as ‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provide an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/orrelativity between items. For some industries, an industry-acceptedtolerance is less than one percent and, for other industries, theindustry-accepted tolerance is 10 percent or more. Other examples ofindustry-accepted tolerance range from less than one percent to fiftypercent. Industry-accepted tolerances correspond to, but are not limitedto, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperaturevariations, rise and fall times, thermal noise, dimensions, signalingerrors, dropped packets, temperatures, pressures, material compositions,and/or performance metrics. Within an industry, tolerance variances ofaccepted tolerances may be more or less than a percentage level (e.g.,dimension tolerance of less than +/−1%). Some relativity between itemsmay range from a difference of less than a percentage level to a fewpercent. Other relativity between items may range from a difference of afew percent to magnitude of differences.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operablycoupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirectcoupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of asignal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or powerlevel. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where oneelement is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct andindirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”.

As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operableto”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an itemincludes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., toperform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and mayfurther include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As maystill further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includesdirect and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may be used herein, one or more claims may include, in a specificform of this generic form, the phrase “at least one of a, b, and c” orof this generic form “at least one of a, b, or c”, with more or lesselements than “a”, “b”, and “c”. In either phrasing, the phrases are tobe interpreted identically. In particular, “at least one of a, b, and c”is equivalent to “at least one of a, b, or c” and shall mean a, b,and/or c. As an example, it means: “a” only, “b” only, “c” only, “a” and“b”, “a” and “c”, “b” and “c”, and/or “a”, “b”, and “c”.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, “processing circuitry”, and/or “processing unit”may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices.Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unitmay be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element,which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices,and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry, and/or processing unit includes more than oneprocessing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry and/or processing unit implements one or more ofits functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further notethat, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry and/or processing unitexecutes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to atleast some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more ofthe Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included inan article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with one or more other routines. In addition, a flow diagrammay include an “end” and/or “continue” indication. The “end” and/or“continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can end asdescribed and shown or optionally be incorporated in or otherwise usedin conjunction with one or more other routines. In this context, “start”indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be precededby other activities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue”indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multipletimes and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specificallyshown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering ofsteps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that theprinciples of causality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with referenceto one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figureto figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly namedfunctions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or differentreference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. maybe the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or differentones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes oneor more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memorydevice, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within amemory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. The memory device may be in a form asolid-state memory, a hard drive memory, cloud memory, thumb drive,server memory, computing device memory, and/or other physical medium forstoring digital information.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device comprising: memory that stores operational instructions; one or more processing modules operably coupled to the display and the memory; a display that includes a plurality of pixel electrodes operably coupled to the one or more processing modules via a plurality of lines, wherein, when enabled, the display configured to: display a first image within at least a portion of the display based on codec negotiation data that includes a proposed codec and that is provided by the one or more processing modules, wherein displaying of the first image via at least some of the plurality of pixel electrodes or the plurality of lines generates a codec negotiation signal that is coupled into a user of the computing device being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the display that facilitates coupling of the codec negotiation signal through the user and transmission of the codec negotiation signal to another computing device that includes a touchscreen that is configured to detect and receive the codec negotiation signal based on the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the touchscreen of the another computing device that facilitates coupling of the codec negotiation signal from the user; detect and receive a response signal from the another computing device; wherein, when enabled, the one or more processing modules is configured to execute the operational instructions to: determine content of the response signal; determine whether the another computing device accepts the proposed codec based on the content of the response signal; and based on a determination that the another computing device accepts the proposed codec, generate data based on the proposed codec; and wherein, when enabled, the display configured to: display a second image within the at least a portion of the display based on the data based on the proposed codec that is provided by the one or more processing modules.
 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: when enabled, the one or more processing modules further configured to execute the operational instructions to identify another proposed codec based on another determination that the another computing device does not accepts the proposed codec; and when enabled, the display further configured to display a second image within the at least a portion of the display based on the another proposed codec that is provided by the one or more processing modules.
 3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein nonacceptance of the proposed codec by the another computing device is based on the another computing device not including capability and functionality to support the proposed codec.
 4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein displaying of the second image via the at least some of the plurality of pixel electrodes or the plurality of lines generates another signal that is coupled into the user of the computing device being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the display that facilitates coupling of the another signal through the user to the another computing device that includes the touchscreen that is configured to detect and receive the another signal based on the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the touchscreen of the another computing device that facilitates coupling of the another signal from the user.
 5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein the another signal includes information corresponding to at least one of the user or an application that is operative within the computing device.
 6. The computing device of claim 5, wherein the information corresponding to the at least one of the user or the application that is operative within the computing device including at least one of: user identification information related to the user; financial related information associated with the user; shipping information associated with the user; or contact information associated with the user.
 7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein at least one of: the user identification information related to the user including at least one of a name of the user, a username of the user, a phone number of the user, an e-mail address of the user, a personal address of the user, a business address of the user, or business card information of the user; the financial related information associated with the user including at least one of payment information of the user, credit card information of the user, or banking information of the user; the shipping information associated with the user including at least one of a personal address of the user or a business address of the user; or the contact information associated with the user including at least one of a phone number of the user, an e-mail address of the user, a personal address of the user, a business address of the user, or business card information of the user.
 8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the content of the response signal includes another proposed codec identified by the another computing device; when enabled, the one or more processing modules further configured to execute the operational instructions to generate other data based on the another proposed codec; and when enabled, the display further configured to display a third image within the at least a portion of the display based on the data based on the another proposed codec.
 9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein displaying of the third image via the at least some of the plurality of pixel electrodes or the plurality of lines generates another signal that is coupled into the user of the computing device being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the display that facilitates coupling of the another signal through the user to the another computing device that includes the touchscreen that is configured to detect and receive the another signal based on the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the touchscreen of the another computing device that facilitates coupling of the another signal from the user.
 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the proposed codec includes at least one of: a modulation; a symbol mapping; a forward error correction (FEC); or an error checking and correction (ECC).
 11. The computing device of claim 1, wherein, when enabled, the one or more processing modules further configured to execute the operational instructions to: generate the codec negotiation data that includes the proposed codec based on operation of an application within the computing device that is initiated based on input from the user to the computing device; and provide the codec negotiation data that includes the proposed codec to the display via a display interface to be used by the display to render the first image within the at least a portion of the display.
 12. The computing device of claim 11, wherein: the display includes a resolution that specifies a number of pixel rows and is operative based on a frame refresh rate (FRR); a gate scanning frequency of the display is a product resulting from the number of pixel rows multiplied by the FRR; and a frequency of the codec negotiation signal is a sub-multiple of a gate scanning frequency that is the gate scanning frequency divided by a positive integer that is greater than or equal to
 2. 13. The computing device of claim 11, wherein: the display includes a resolution that specifies a number of pixel rows and is operative based on a frame refresh rate (FRR); a gate scanning frequency of the display is a product resulting from the number of pixel rows multiplied by the FRR; a frequency of the codec negotiation signal is a sub-multiple of the gate scanning frequency that is one-half of the gate scanning frequency multiple by a fraction N/M; N is a first positive integer that is greater than or equal to 2; and M is a second positive integer that is greater than or equal to 2 and also greater than N.
 14. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the codec negotiation data also includes one or more of: one or more required codecs to be used; one or more proposed options for one or more codecs to be used; one or more supported codecs; one or more preferred codecs; or functionality and capability of the computing device.
 15. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the content of the response signal also includes acceptance or denial of one or more of: a required codec; a proposed option for a codec; a supported codec; or a preferred codec.
 16. The computing device of claim 1 further comprising: the touchscreen of the another computing device includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSCs), wherein, when enabled, a DSC of the plurality of DSCs configured to: provide a sensor signal via a single line to a sensor of the plurality of sensors and simultaneously to sense the sensor signal via the single line, wherein sensing of the sensor signal includes detection of an electrical characteristic of the sensor signal that includes coupling of the codec negotiation signal from the user into the sensor of the plurality of sensors; and generate a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the sensor signal.
 17. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the DSC of the plurality of DSCs further comprises: a power source circuit operably coupled to the sensor of the plurality of sensors, wherein, when enabled, the power source circuit configured to provide the sensor signal via the single line to the sensor of the plurality of sensors, and wherein the sensor signal includes at least one of a DC (direct current) component or an oscillating component; and a power source change detection circuit configured to the power source circuit, wherein, when enabled, the power source change detection circuit is configured to: detect an effect on the sensor signal that is based on the coupling of the codec negotiation signal from the user into sensor of the plurality of sensors.
 18. A computing device comprising: memory that stores operational instructions; one or more processing modules operably coupled to the display and the memory; a display that includes a plurality of pixel electrodes operably coupled to the one or more processing modules via a plurality of lines, wherein, when enabled, the display configured to: display a first image within at least a portion of the display based on codec negotiation data that includes a proposed codec and that is provided by the one or more processing modules, wherein displaying of the first image via at least some of the plurality of pixel electrodes or the plurality of lines generates a codec negotiation signal that is coupled into a user of the computing device being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the display that facilitates coupling of the codec negotiation signal through the user and transmission of the codec negotiation signal to another computing device that includes a touchscreen that is configured to detect and receive the codec negotiation signal based on the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the touchscreen of the another computing device that facilitates coupling of the codec negotiation signal from the user, wherein the proposed codec includes at least one of a modulation, a symbol mapping, a forward error correction (FEC), or an error checking and correction (ECC); detect and receive a response signal from the another computing device; wherein, when enabled, the one or more processing modules is configured to execute the operational instructions to: determine content of the response signal; determine whether the another computing device accepts the proposed codec based on the content of the response signal; and based on a determination that the another computing device accepts the proposed codec, generate data based on the proposed codec; and wherein, when enabled, the display configured to: display a second image within the at least a portion of the display based on the data based on the proposed codec that is provided by the one or more processing modules, wherein displaying of the second image via the at least some of the plurality of pixel electrodes or the plurality of lines generates another signal that is coupled into the user of the computing device being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the display that facilitates coupling of the another signal through the user to the another computing device that includes the touchscreen that is configured to detect and receive the another signal based on the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the touchscreen of the another computing device that facilitates coupling of the another signal from the user.
 19. The computing device of claim 18, wherein: when enabled, the one or more processing modules further configured to execute the operational instructions to identify another proposed codec based on another determination that the another computing device does not accepts the proposed codec; and when enabled, the display further configured to display a second image within the at least a portion of the display based on the another proposed codec that is provided by the one or more processing modules.
 20. The computing device of claim 19, wherein nonacceptance of the proposed codec by the another computing device is based on the another computing device not including capability and functionality to support the proposed codec. 